Amateur
Entomologists'
Society

BTCV: Woodland Action Leaflet

Reviewed by David Lonsdale

This leaflet was published, with sponsorship from Halifax plc, to coincide with the BTCV's fifth annual Woodland Action Week at the end of February 1998. It outlines the history of woodlands in Britain and also explains the various benefits that woodlands provide, including wildlife habitats, a recreational and amenity resource, carbon dioxide sinks and sources of timber. Emphasis is placed on the need to establish new woodlands which now occupy only 200,000ha in Britain and are often isolated.

The need for long-term management plans is stressed in relation to the various options that exist. The need to manage woodlands with different types of wildlife in mind, including invertebrates, is explained. In this contect, notes are provided on coppicing, dead wood protection and the maintenance of structural diversity at woodland edges, rides and glades and by areas of open water.

The leaflet includes a good deal of other information on matters such as health and safety for conservation work, involvement with local people and groups, celebratory events and educational activities. There is also a further reading list (including Peter Kirby's book Habitat Management for Invertebrates, but not the AES book which preceeded it), and a list of useful addresses. The only invertebrate organisation on the address list is Butterfly Conservation but this is probably no reason to criticise BTCV, as there is not yet an organisation for British invertebrates in general that can handle the day-to-day issues of invertebrate conservation.

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