DUNSOP BRIDGE TREE SURGERY CREATES NEW BAT HANG OUT

Experts from the Forestry Commission in Lancashire have helped create a new habitat for local wildlife at Back Standing in Dunsop Bridge, near Clitheroe.

A large number of hazardous trees had to be taken down in the area, leaving a group of standing deadwood hulks. These have been protected by the Forestry Commission, as they make ideal summer roosting habitat for bats and bring benefits to a wide range of wildlife, including birds and insects.

Andrew Banks, the Forestry Commission's works supervisor in the Forest of Bowland and Dalton, says:

"We always try to turn a negative into a positive. In this case dismantling these large hazardous trees has enabled us to retain some useful potential roosting habitat for bats, as well as cavities for other wildlife such as woodpeckers.

"Wildlife diversity is a direct result of good woodland management as it provides a mosaic of different environmental niches by opening up areas and on the other extreme retaining older veteran trees to provide standing deadwood. We also plan to plant another two trees for every one cut down to replace those we had to remove due to health and safety concerns."

Eight mature beech and sycamore trees were taken down in September 2008 after local Forestry Commission staff found they contained significant rot which made them a danger to the public road which runs adjacent to the site.

By dismantling the trees down to a safe height and ensuring any cavities were retained, the Forestry Commission has provided a potential new habitat for bats which roost in large tree cavities during the summer months.

The trees were also 'hippy cut' at the tops which simulates natural tears and splits which in turn encourages rot and funghi to grow.

Britain's bat species have been in decline during the last century due to loss of habitat and food supplies.

Trees are very important to bats as they offer them somewhere to roost and breed as well as providing insects for them to eat.

All of Britain's 17 species of bat are found in and around woodlands. Those spotted in the Forest of Bowland include Daubentons, Pipistrelle and Whiskered bats.

The Forestry Commission's woodland management programme aims to sensitively and proactively protect bats. It focuses on creating Natural Reserves - a specific group of trees or area of woodland that are set aside to provide continuity and security for bats and their roosts.

In Spring 2009, a new group of native broadleaf trees will also be planted in Black Planting near Dunsop village to replace those taken down. These will be Sessile Oak and will be planted by local school children from Dunsop Primary School with help from local Forestry Commission staff.

The Forest of Bowland is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that offers opportunities to enjoy walking, cycling, fishing and horse riding.

For more information on things to see and do in the North West's forests go to www.forestry.gov.uk/northwestengland and www.forestry.gov.uk/wildwoods

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NOTES TO EDITORS:

1. Images of bats are attached. Higher resolution versions are available by calling 015394-42436.

2. The Forestry Commission is the largest provider of countryside recreation in Britain with responsibility for over one million hectares (2.4 million acres) of forest, woodlands and open countryside. The North West England Forest District covers the Lake District in Cumbria, the Forest of Bowland in Lancashire, Merseyside, Greater Manchester and Cheshire. The forests today are managed for conservation, wildlife, landscape and recreation as well as providing a valuable source of timber. www.forestry.gov.uk/northwestengland

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Andrew Banks (Works Supervisor) for the Forestry Commission on 01200-448256 or 07980 850707

Alternatively, contact Martin Colledge on 07774 293920.

e-mail: andrew.banks@forestry.gsi.gov.uk