The data describes the potential area of impact of ‘significant’ areas of woodland upon breeding wading birds due to the predation shadow associated with the woodland.
The purpose is to support users of the ‘Guidance to help inform when an upland breeding wader survey is needed and when woodland creation is likely to appropriate’ (Defra/FC/NE, 11 August 2022). Note: To provide a balance of stability and flexibility this interim guidance will be in place for one year. The guidance will be reviewed and then republished by August 2023.
National Forest Inventory (NFI) woodland was selected, aggregated together based on size and distance criteria, and then buffered by 500m to produce this layer.
The definition of woodland included in the NFI is as follows: A minimum area of 0.5 ha under stands of growing trees greater than 20m in width, with a canopy cover of at least 20% comprised of trees at least 5 metres in height or having the potential to achieve this.
This definition relates to land use, rather than land cover, so newly established woodland, integral open space and felled areas within existing woodland that are awaiting restocking are included as woodland.
Woodland was considered ‘significant’ if it formed a contiguous block of more than 5 ha which also meets the above NFI definition. Separate areas of woodland are considered contiguous where there is a separation of 20 metres or less.
The data covers the area in scope of the wader guidance - Northumberland, Durham, Cumbria, Yorkshire, Lancashire, North York Moors and the Peak District. Attribution statement: Contains OS data © Crown copyright [and database right] [year].
