Broxa Forest plan revealed (From Gazette & Herald)

Broxa Forest plan revealed

10:34am Wednesday 17th October 2012 in News

THE Forestry Commission has revealed a design plan for its Broxa Forest in the North York Moors National Park.

Its 10-year proposal for the 730-hectare site aims to increase the amount of native woodland, especially ancient areas, said Paul Harris, the park’s woodland officer.

“Ultimately, the proportion of forest which is broadleaf will reach 42 per cent,” he said.

Most of the forest is secondary plantation woodland but about 25 per cent is designated as ancient, he added.

The forest is dominated by larch and pine trees, but about a fifth consists of broadleaf, mainly birch and beech.

“Currently, about 12 per cent of the forest is unplanted open ground, or areas which have been recently felled,” said Mr Harris.

The forest, he said, is well used by walkers, horse- riders and cyclists. It also has 30 scheduled ancient monuments and 200 other features which are of landscape significance.

There are also prehistoric features, including Iron and Bronze Age tumuli and medieval quarries, as well as 18th century stone markers.

“The proposal is to increase native woodland cover significantly,” said Mr Harris.

He added that a felling programme of conifers is to be carried out to increase diverse forest and improve the landscape.