The Countryside Code
The Countryside Code has been updated this year and provides lots of advice for visitors to the countryside.
Wayfaring Factsheets
Wayfaring is a journey of exploration inspired by the chalk landscape and ancient routes of the Icknield Way. Find out more at wayfaring.org.uk.
Woodland Strategy
This report, published in 2005 outlines the extent and character of existing woodland within the AONB. It aims to assess the condition of the existing woodland resource, the nature and type of any management and the contribution that woodlands make to the cultural, biological and landscape character. Finally, the report identifes, at a strategic level, the needs and priorities for woodland management in the North Wessex Downs.
North Wessex Downs Grazing Report
Calcareous grassland is a Biodiversity Action Plan habitat and a key habitat for the North Wessex Downs landscape. Traditionally grazed by sheep, cattle and rabbits these areas support a wide range of species including orchids, blue butterflies and skylarks. Today small isolated blocks of chalk grassland are mainly found on steep slopes and around archaeological sites. A number of these sites are losing their biodiversity due to a lack of appropriate management i.e. grazing animals. This report aims to highlight the importance of grazing these important grassland sites by helping match land with stock.
Local Seed Harvesting Report
Environmental Stewardship encourages the use of native and local seed for chalk grassland creation and restoration and a supplement for using native seed mixes is available. This research explored the viability of seed collection sites within the three target areas of Horton Downs, Hampshire Downs and the Letcombe to Liddington escarpment.
A Guide to Harvesting Woodfuel from Hedges
Traditionally, hedges provided a variety of wood products including firewood, but as labour became more expensive and wood was replaced by fossil fuels, the practice of managing hedges for firewood was lost. Following recent rises in oil and gas costs and concerns about climate change, there is a growing interest in reviving the economic value of hedgerows through managing them once again for woodfuel, mainly through coppicing.
This best practice guide, developed in partnership with the TWECOM project aims to demonstrate the benefits of managing hedges for woodfuel. It contains guidance regarding wildlife, techniques, machinery and legal aspects of management.
This project is supported by the North Wessex Downs Sustainable Development Fund.