Views sought for future of over 50 woodlands
Stephen CorranThe opinions of islanders are being sought to help shape how more than 50 woodlands on the Isle of Man will look like for decades to come.
The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (Defa) has begun a public consultation on the government's woodland plan.
In it nearly 2,877 hectares (7,109 acres) of woodland, previously used for the island's timber trade, are earmarked for improvements - to allow for better biodiversity and storage of CO2 gas.
The plans will also see a gradual harvesting and replanting of weaker trees, damaged by recent bad weather, to ensure woodlands are "resilient", a Defa report said.
Through the plans, Defa aims to manage all "plantations" on the island, from Fleshwick in the south to Ballure in the north, to internationally recognised standards.
The gradual reharvesting of designated woodland is hoped to support long-term carbon storage, Defa said.
Foresters would fell trees in carefully planned sections, known as coupes, and replant them promptly.
'Treasured by many'
This allows for new, more resilient woodland to establish alongside existing trees - to help support both carbon storage and biodiversity, Defa added.
It cited Ballaugh Plantation as best-practice for wider future plans across the island.
"Following disease and storm damage, it is being transformed from a single-species conifer wood into a mixed, multi-age woodland better able to withstand future pressures", the department said.
Defa minister, Clare Barber MHK, said: "Our plantations are treasured by many and we want as many people as possible to help shape how they are managed in the future."
Islanders who wish to share their views on the proposed plans, are encouraged to do so online or by filling out a form.
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