Arnside & Silverdale National Landscape has lots of trees - 48% of the terrestrial area is woodland, 26% of the total area.
There are Tree Protection Orders in place throughout a lot of the National Landscape - both for individual trees and areas. There are also Conservation Areas within the National Landscape, which impacts tree works.
Many of the woodlands in the area are managed through coppicing, where a tree is cut at a low level and grows back from the roots. This can help create a varied habitat, and woodland glades and rides are favoured by butterflies and other local species.
Ash Dieback in the National Landscape
Britain’s trees are facing threats from new pests and diseases, including Ash dieback, which has been found to be present locally. The infection is caused by the fungus Hymenoscyphus fraxineus which causes crown dieback, leaf dieback, leaf loss and bark lesions. Young trees, including coppice, are the most vulnerable to the fungus.
You should consider the effects of ash dieback if you own or manage ash trees, even if you’re dealing with low levels of infection. Felling diseased Ash requires a felling licence, unless the trees are dead or pose a real and immediate danger. Restrictions such as tree preservation orders must also be respected.
For further guidance please read the Government’s guidance about managing ash dieback.