Environment

From February 2021 when you visit Wootton Valley Country Park your Parish Council hope you are pleased to see a large number of new tree saplings have been planted, 1800 saplings to be precise, both sides of the Parish boundaries. This is part of a project involving Wootton and Grange Park Parish Council's and the Environment Agency with the aim to create new woodland, improve wildlife habitat, biodiversity, public enjoyment and provide floodplain water management. The tree planting scheme will be paid for by Freshwater Habitats Trust – with funding being provided by the Defra Grant in Aid process under the Defra Natural Flood Management Programme.

In November 2019 we secured 200 tree saplings to plant on a neglected area of land on Lark Lane, opposite the allotments. Some new sapling hedgerow species including dog rose, hawthorn, hazel, crab apple, dogwood were added to follow the existing fence line.

The main area species included rowan, silver birch, wild cherry, common oak, field maple, grey willow. These were all supplied by The Woodland Trust and were planted out by a number of volunteers and Councillors. The working wood will mature over the years providing a legacy for the next generation.

Summary report received from Nicholson's - 8th October 2024

I have attended Alamein Woods to complete the tree marking this morning. Please pass on my thanks to Cllr Millerchip for meeting me on site and providing an overview of the woodlands.

As agreed with Cllr Millerchip, I have provided a brief summary of the work carried out for your records:

Thinning

• In accordance with Grange Park's Woodland Management Plan and Felling Licence (attached), thinning has been marked throughout the compartment so as not to exceed 30% removal of the existing canopy. Trees to be felled have been clearly marked with dots (example photo attached).

• The thinning has targeted trees of poor form with the aim releasing suppressed stems of Norway spruce and oak, promoting form and vigour within the stand and prioritising the best oak. Under-represented species such as plane, wild cherry, and healthy ash, have also been retained to promote species diversity.

• As agreed with Cllr Millerchip, the overgrown Leyland cypress trees that are in close proximity to the neighbouring residential area have been marked for removal. Further into the woodland, away from residential property, a few Leyland cypress have been retained to promote species diversity and habitat.

Regeneration Coupes

• Again, in line with the Felling Licence and WMP, small regeneration coupes of 0.1ha have been marked with the aim of gradually restructuring the even-age nature of the woodland. Coupe boundaries have been clearly marked with a double-banded line (example photo attached). Double-banded boundary trees are to be retained, with all trees inside the coupe boundary to be felled to create areas for planting.

• As indicated on the attached map, 3 regeneration coupes have been located along the northern edge of Alamein Wood in areas of particularly poor form, allowing for a natural restructuring that is sympathetic to the neighbouring residential area. A further 2 regeneration coupes have been created within the compartment, without compromising the open nature of the existing track.

Thank you for the opportunity to undertake this work, it was an absolute pleasure to get acquainted with the woodlands at Grange Park. It is clear they are a big part of the thriving community there. I hope the above provides a clear summary for your records. If you have any questions then please do get in touch.

If you would like to raise an Environment Issue with non-Parish land owners please contact the appropriate management team from the below list.

The Wilk's Walk shopping area and car park;

Eddisons

4 Basset Court, Grange Park,
Northampton, NN4 5EZ

0160 466 2950

The Amazon warehouse area and Amazon delivery drivers;

email: dnn1communityqueries@amazon.com