01
June
2015
|
15:17
Europe/London

Oxfordshire’s woodlands: owners and managers asked to take part in survey

An online survey has been launched to gather views and opinions that will be used to improve existing and develop new support services for woodland owners and managers within the County.

Oxfordshire County Council's Cabinet Member for Environment, Cllr David Nimmo Smith said: “Oxfordshire is unusual in having a large number of small woodlands with many different ownerships. We know that with improved levels of management these woodlands could be making an even greater contribution to the county’s future success. This survey will help us understand what challenges woodland owners face in getting the right support at the right time”.

Alistair Yeomans, of the Sylva Foundation added: “Woodlands are a vital part of Oxfordshire’s countryside. They help support the rural economy while providing many other wider benefits such as flood protection, clean air, beautiful landscapes and valuable habitats. We are working with the County Council to help maintain a woodland resource that we all benefit from.”

The small size of woodlands can limit the options that landowners have in managing them, and so can lead to neglect – affecting wildlife, landscapes and the rural economy.

Owners and managers of all woodlands in Oxfordshire can complete the survey online at: www.sylva.org.uk/oxwoodsurvey

The survey will remain open until midnight on Sunday 21st June 2015. There are a maximum of 16 questions that should take approximately 5 minutes to complete.

The Sylva Foundation is a charity that works across Britain caring for forests, to ensure they thrive for people and for nature, and supporting innovation in home-grown wood (www.sylva.org.uk).