Littlewood Forest report
| dc.contributor.author | Britton, Matt | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2024-10-15T20:43:08Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2024-10-15T20:43:08Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2024 | |
| dc.description.abstract | The 17-acre Littlewood Forest stewarded by the Sandown Centre for Regenerative Agriculture is a second-growth coastal Douglas-fir forest with a pond, natural springs, and a low-lying wetland complex, all of which have been heavily impacted by invasive species due to decades of neglect. Research for this report included field assessments of the entire forest, which were used to create a compartmentalized map to assist with stewardship of the space, as well as stakeholder interviews and analysis, a review of existing reports and relevant data, and creation of a list of recommended actions for restoration and conservation. While most of the land around the Littlewood Forest was cleared for agricultural use in the 1800s, the area that comprises the forest area was left mostly intact, possibly due to the presence of a swamp and natural springs that occur in that area. In the 1950s, the land was converted into a horse racetrack, which operated until the turn of the century. It was eventually acquired by the District of North Saanich, subdivided, reclaimed through demolition of buildings, and leased to the Sandown Centre to manage restoration activities. Part of the smallest and most threatened biogeoclimatic zone in British Columbia, the forest contains several small, unique ecosystems. Despite threats from invasive species, it has strong biodiversity, with a variety of trees, shrubs, and wildlife. The most significant threats to the forest come from Himalayan blackberry and English ivy, both of which outcompete native plants for resources and diminish the forest’s biodiversity and overall health. Descriptions, locations, and treatment options for each invasive species are presented. The descriptions accompanying the map of six management zones in this report detail species compositions, historical context, conservation concerns, relevant observations, sub-zones with unique characteristics, safety concerns, and physical descriptions of each section of the forest. This is followed by a review of stakeholder feedback that informed the development of four primary (left) and four secondary (right) values to guide and prioritize management actions within Littlewood Forest: ● Recreation (trails, birdwatching) ● Education (native plants/ecosystems) ● Restoration (invasives management) ● Biodiversity (protection/improvement) ● Wildlife (habitat conservation) ● Volunteers (engagement/management) ● Reconciliation (work with First Nations) ● Safety (hazard trees, woody debris) Potential interventions are prioritized through the use of an impact vs. effort matrix and presented by zone to compartmentalize and streamline management options. Due to its complexity and numerous options, a process map for Zone 1 is presented to assist in sequencing actions, followed by a possible action plan for the entire forest. These findings are summarized in a stewardship plan designed for public dissemination. Appendices include a presentation of historical photos of the forest area over the past century along with descriptions of visible changes to the site, a table of interventions/recommendations, and supplementary maps of water features, trails, landmarks, debris, and notable hazards. | |
| dc.description.scholarlevel | Graduate | |
| dc.description.sponsorship | Sandown Centre for Regenerative Agriculture | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://hdl.handle.net/1828/20589 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.subject | ecosystem mapping | |
| dc.subject | restoration plan | |
| dc.subject | ecological restoration | |
| dc.subject | conservation | |
| dc.subject | sustainability | |
| dc.subject | Sustainability Scholars Program | |
| dc.title | Littlewood Forest report | |
| dc.type | Other |