Recent Changes in the Conservation Value of Woodlands in Rockingham Forest

Abstract

Surveys of all woodlands within Rockingham Forest, Northants, in 1946 and 1972 show that, whilst the total area of woodland remains almost unchanged, considerable changes have taken place in woodland distribution, management systems, crop species, and physiognomy. These changes are quantified and their impact on the value of the woodlands for wildlife conservation and features of interest is assessed by reference to criteria related to the development of the woods. It is concluded that there has been a substantial decline in the conservation value of Rockingham Forest woodlands, caused mainly by State forest policy and open-cast mining, and that this decline is likely to continue.