Woodland, Trees and Hedgerows

Increasing tree cover in the Allen Valleys

Our existing resource

The oldest woodlands surviving in the Allen Valleys are found in the most inaccessible areas. In general these areas are steep sided valleys and gorges alongside rivers and streams. Typically these woodlands are dominated by either oak or ash. On alkaline soils ash woods dominate with a characteristic ground flora including bluebells, primrose, ramsons and wood cranesbill. On more acidic soils, oak woods dominate with flora including wavy hair grass, wood anemone and wood sorrel.

Plantation woodland is also a feature of the Allen Valleys and provides an important habitat for the red squirrel population.

Riparian trees and shrubs provided movement and feeding corridors for invertebrates, birds, bats and other mammals including red squirrels. Well managed riparian trees and shrubs can provide good protection to the riverbank in flood conditions.

Field boundary trees and other isolated in-field trees provide shelter for stock as well as habitat for a variety of invertebrates, birds and mammals.

Help with woodland management

Follow this link if you need help with drawing up a woodland management plan

Grants for planting and restoration

The AONB Partnership is able to fund 50% of agreed standard costs (including labour) for hedgerow planting and management, and for the establishment of new open grown trees on field boundaries and in fields. Help with applications for woodland planting grants may also be available subject to staff availability.

Click here for more information on our Trees & Hedgerows grant scheme

Learn how to lay a hedge

We will be running a number of heritage skills training courses throughout the Landscape Partnership Scheme, including hedgelaying. For further information about our training courses please contact the Allendale office on 01434 683517.