Contact: Mel Watkins, ext 6778

1. Summary

1.1 The following decision is sought:

That approval be given to allocate £15,000 from the Environmental Improvement budget for the awarding of grants for the restoration of hazel coppice in Hampshire.

2. Reason

2.1 To support the coppice craft industry which provides benefits for Hampshire's landscape and biodiversity.

3. Other Options Considered and Rejected

3.1 Not to make a budget allocation. Rejected, as this would not enable the objectives set out in the Biodiversity Action Plan for Hampshire to be met.

4. Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Decision Maker or a Member or Officer consulted - None.

5. Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee - Not applicable.

6. Reason(s) for the Matter being dealt with if Urgent - Not applicable.

Approved by: Date:

Councillor K B Estlin

7. The County Council has a long established grant-aid programme which assists with the restoration of derelict hazel coppice woodland in Hampshire. This benefits the existing coppice craft industry whilst ensuring that the woodland remains an important landscape feature and of great benefit to the county's wild flora and fauna.

8. The grant-aid covers:

(i) the cutting of coppice which has had its first remedial cut, but which for a variety of reasons has not developed into a sufficient quality for the industry to cut without financial help;

(ii) the cutting of in-cycle coppice which has never been derelict but which is no longer viable, having deteriorated due to factors such as deer damage, increased shading and storm damage; and

(iii) fencing of coppice which is less than four years old but which is failing due to deer damage.

9. This grant fund will provide for individual grants up to £2,500 and will maintain the momentum which has enabled the County Council to restore and retain 750 hectares of this ancient woodland habitat as a significant feature of Hampshire's landscape and biodiversity.

7334/MW