Bluebells and Poultry

[Gary Prentice]

Probably a daft question, but what's the affect of keeping poultry in woodland where bluebells are growing? 

 

Does anyone have any links to data regarding poultry population levels and detrimental affects to (TPO'd) woodland?

[Mick Dempsey]

I used to do a bit of gamekeeping as a teenager, I had a pheasant release pen in what was always known as Bluebell wood. There were no issues as I recall.

 

Is It the bluebells or the poultry at risk?

[Gary Prentice]

Client wanting to keep 8-12 rare breed birds in a TPO'd woodland, which has native bluebells. There's an application in for a observation shelter (for birdwatching) and a small rearing shed. The TO is concerned about the birds stopping natural regeneration of the woodland, along with harming the bluebell population which is in the councils BAP.

 

I don't even know where to begin researching what population level of chickens is harmful in woodland, let alone what they do to bluebells, to counter the objections..

[muttley9050]

How much land will the birds have access to?

[muttley9050]

How much land will the birds have access to?

[Rough Hewn]

8-12 birds shouldn't have much effect, but I'm no expert.
Used to have 60-70 mixed poultry free range on 3 acres of grass.
No impact at all after 4 years. Except a few narrow paths.
Best tasting birds I've ever eaten.
[emoji106]

[Gary Prentice]

38 minutes ago, muttley9050 said:

How much land will the birds have access to?

I haven’t measured the plot but I’d guess around 7-800 square metres

[Gary Prentice]

It’s not within a garden, but an area within a woodland. 

 

Im a bit sketchy on the rearing shed bit (involved via the architect) but that’s how it’s described in the application- storage shed (tool), welfare building, observation shelter & rare breed rearing building (about 6square  metres. Think the wood may also be green belt. TO is also raising issues with proposed woodchip path to the observation hide!

 

all buildings are timber construction

[skc101fc]

With all this buildung hardware, it doesn't sound like just 8-12 birds ?

[kevinjohnsonmbe]

That's an interesting one Gary.

 

Sounds like, either, there's more to it than a "woodman's hut" or the TO is being a bit over enthusiastic...?  Birds in wood, who'd have ever thought that would happen....

 

Not suggesting it's authoritative but some tips / potential follow up points here:

 

http://www.woodlands.co.uk/owning-a-wood/woodlands-and-planning-legislation/