Forest Carbon | Whitton Wood

About this project

This woodland has connected two fragmented ancient Oak woodlands and extended the wildlife corridor upstream. To emulate the historical landscape, a diverse array of native trees and shrubs has been planted in a naturalistic way, on the banks of the two streams; thus helping alleviate flooding in the river Coquet.

The site has cultural heritage significance with holloways (old livestock droving paths) running through. There are standing stones and neolithic (approx. 4000-2500 BCE) cup and ring marks on the stones in the woodlands. The purpose of the cup and ring marks is speculative.

Approximately 2 pairs of Curlews, some Woodcock, Snipe and Lapwing breed and live near the new woodland and have done so for over 60 years. These birds are classified as waders and all have conservation status. Curlews and lapwings are on the red list.

The nearby land supports wax cap fungi; their presence indicates well-managed, undisturbed soils. Wax cap fungi tend to grow in soils that have developed their unique characteristics over centuries. The caps of wax cap fungi are often bright and colourful, ranging from reds and oranges to yellows and greens.

The new planting – which is supported by the England Woodland Creation Offer (EWCO) as well as sponsorship money – will bring forward a new generation of trees around the ancient oaks and scots pine whilst preserving heritage assets. A livestock fence has been put up to exclude grazers from the area during establishment years. Tree guards have been used to protect young trees from deer.

Woodland Carbon Code certification was not a viable option for these landowners. Without sponsorship, this fantastic project would not have gone ahead and the UK would have one less woodland growing on it.

Biodiversity uplift

This woodland will restore and rejuvenate habitats to support the increase and variety of flora and fauna in the area. The endangered waders, (Curlews, Lapwings and Snipe) will continue to nest on the ground in spaces now protected by trees and fencing. The field next to one woodland is a hay meadow, planted with a native wildflower hay mix in 2017.

Waxcap fungi

There are 28 varieties of waxcap fungi near the woodlands, including 5 rare and 1 vulnerable, the orange waxcap. Transplanting wax cap fungi (Hygrophoraceae) from one location to another is challenging, hence their importance at Whitton. Wax caps play a role in the decomposition of organic matter, contributing to nutrient cycling in the soil. Conservation of wax cap fungi often involves low-intensity grazing and avoiding the use of fertilizers and pesticides, followed at Whitton for many years.

Flood mitigation

This project will help reduce the risk and impact of flooding by slowing flow rates, storing water and preventing soil erosion. The woodlands lie on the banks of 2 streams which converge and flow into the river Coquet, a spate river often flooding in Rothbury.

Habitat corridors and linkage

This project will link habitats previously separated by productive land or land less hospitable to wildlife. Two wildlife corridors will be extended; one west up the valley; and one north up to the Simonside hills. Other corridors created by the many hedges on Whitton will feed into the woodland.

Improved water quality

By absorbing and/or filtering the water this woodland will help improve water quality in the surrounding area.

Habitat conservation

The design of the proposed woodland creation took care to consider ground nesting birds, in particular curlews, and the location of predators such as buzzards. The woodland creation is not expected to adversely affect ground nesting bird populations.

Species Mix

Aspen
Birch
Bird Cherry
Cherry
Field Maple
Hazel
Lime
Oak
Other
Rowan
Scots Pine
Willow

Forest Carbon at Whitton Wood

5,975 trees

4.52 hectares

Spring 2024

0 tonnes CO2