1. Introduction
This concept paper outlines the proposed approach by The Barbados National Trust to formalize designation of Turner’s Hall Woods, St. Andrew, Barbados as a National Forest Candidate site, through gazetting and to develop a management plan for this ecosystem.
Turner’s Hall Woods (THW), located in St. Andrew, is a relict forest ecosystem and rare landscape feature in Barbados (Figure 1). It covers about 30 ha (74 acres) and is the only example of uncleared, pre-settlement forest on the island. It contains more than 100 vascular plant species, with several found nowhere else in Barbados (Carrington, 2011). THW lie on the northwestern aspect of a spur which runs northeast from Mt Hillaby, at between about 200 and 270 m above sea level. It has a dense main tree canopy about 10-20 m high dominated by Spanish oak (Inga laurina) with a scattering of taller trees like poison tree (Sapium caribaeum) and cabbage palm (Roystonea oleracea) emerging above this (to 30 m high). Below the main canopy is an understorey dominated by the spiny macaw palm (Aiphanes minima) and below this a layer of shrubs mainly in the coffee and guava families. Most of the trees do not shed their leaves in the dry season and this forest is termed evergreen seasonal forest or, in drier patches where the emergent tall trees are lacking, semi-evergreen forest (Figure 2). THW may be the best remaining moist forest of its type in the Caribbean (Wadsworth, 1988).
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Figure 1. Location map for the Turner’s Hall Woods area (ellipse)(source Google maps) |
The most undisturbed and established area of THW is the portion upslope of the cart road that runs through the forest. The areas downslope of this, and also towards the St Simon’s end of the cart road, are more disturbed. While the plant species found in these areas are still predominantly native species, mahogany, an exotic Caribbean species, is invasive in one area and there are some Pandanus and Eucalyptus planted during a clearing of the road in 1985. Many bird, bat, insect and spider species are found here. In terms of birdlife, while no resident species is confined to THW and no endangered species is found there, it is home to many resident land birds including the elusive Eleania martinica barbadensis(Buckley et al 2009) and the treetop dwelling black-whiskered vireo, Vireo altiloquus. It is also the chief over-wintering locality for the attractive American Redstart or Christmas Bird, Setophaga ruticilla (p117, Hutt, 1981).
Turner’s Hall Woods is first recorded in a 1663 deed of sale and is a remnant of original forest which was protected (Stoute, 1985). Long recognized as a precious patch of original forest worthy of conservation (p.223 Schomburgk, 1848), correspondence in the Official Gazette of 17 March, 1904, records its recovery from damage caused by the hurricane of 1898 and the refusal of the then owner Sir William Fitzherbert to allow oil wells to be sunk within the forest.
More recently it has been repeatedly identified as a special forest ecosystem in Barbados that should be conserved (Gooding 1944, Hutt 1981, Pennington 1983, Wadsworth 1988, CARICOM/ODA/FAO 1993, Mohlenbrock 1995, GoB 1999, Carrington et al. 2020) and has been proposed to be managed as an IUCN Category Ia Strict Nature Reserve protected area, i.e., an area which is protected from all but light human use, in order to protect its biodiversity (https://www.protectedplanet.net/country/BRB), as defined below:
Strictly protected for biodiversity and also possibly geological/ geomorphological features,where human visitation, use and impacts are controlled and limited to ensure protection of the conservation values (Dudley, 2008).
THW lies within the proposed Barbados National Park which is classified as OS1 in the Barbados System of Parks & Open Space and which is considered an IUCN WCPA Category V Protected Landscape/Seascape (4.1, GoB 2003), as defined below:
Where the interaction of people and nature over time has produced a distinct character with significant ecological, biological, cultural and scenic value: and where safeguarding the integrity of this interaction is vital to protecting and sustaining the area and its associated nature conservation and other values (Dudley, 2008).
The National Park Plan has proposed that THW be designated an OS6 National Forest Candidate Site (NFCS) in the Barbados Parks & Open Space classification system (GoB 1999). The 2003 Physical Development Plan (PDP) and the 2017 draft PDP both perpetuate that proposal (GoB 2003, GoB 2017)
Conservation of this unique forest is the priority use, but this can be achieved in harmony with light human use for hiking, ecotourism and education. For instance, THW is frequently used by hikers and as a study site by UWI. As a strict nature reserve, the Management plan may set aside certain areas with no public access.
Figure 2. Turners Hall Woods
2. The Concept for Establishment of the Turner’s Hall Woods National Forest Candidate Site
The concept for establishment of the Turner’s Hall Woods National Forest Candidate Site builds on previous work. Its designation will conform to the general National Park objective to “protect open spaces designated for conservation purposes from the adverse impacts of any new development” (4.2.2.2, GoB, 2003). More specifically the “National Forests will be preserved in their natural states and will be protected from incompatible development” (11.2.3.2, GoB, 2003). The proposed approach will be to establish it as a community-involved conservation area that preserves the unique ecosystem, provides opportunities for local livelihoods appropriate to the ecosystem, and contributes to the operationalization of the National Park.
THW also has interesting geological features such as the exposed folded strata visible along its exposed top ridge, but it is also an area known for land slippage on a considerable scale (Hutt, 1981) and this must be taken into account in any management plan. “Modern road-making techniques can do remarkable things but THW is not the place to try them out in Barbados” (p120, Hutt, 1981).
It is the intention of the Barbados National Trust to pursue establishment of the proposed THW National Forest Candidate Site through its Natural Heritage Subcommittee.
There will be the need for initial funding to develop the concept in collaboration with local stakeholders and thereafter to develop appropriate forest interpretation signage and a small “meet and greet” parking area with toilet facility on the perimeter of the forest. Planning will include land surveying, including surveying to identify areas that are of particular ecological value, any physical planning for a submission to TCPO that might be needed, and co-management planning. It is anticipated that funds can be obtained for several aspects of implementation from various conservation sources such as the Barbados Environmental Sustainability Fund, The GEF, US NFWS, etc. The possibility that donations to the THW conservation area can be tax deductible in Canada, the USA, the UK and Germany will be explored with NGOs in those countries that might serve as conduits for donated funds.
It is noteworthy that the Government of Barbados owns the land, therefore there will be no need for land acquisition. The Government may also contribute towards the concept implementation, given the conservation and ecotourism value it has already recognized by designating THW as a NFCS within the National Park Plan.
Maintenance of the area will be required periodically, i.e., cart road and trail maintenance, replacement of faded signage, removal of fallen branches, cleaning of toilets, emptying of garbage bin etc. The potential for raising funds to make the site maintenance self-funding will be explored, but any options must be in keeping with the primary NFCS use which is conservation and with its IUCN Ia categorization.
2.3 Benefits to the adjacent communities
The aim of keeping THW as the quiet, undisturbed, remote feeling place for quiet enjoyment of nature means that any parking or “meet and greet” stand must be well outside the forest and its buffer zone. It is not appropriate to develop any kind of drive-through vehicular access. While THW can be accessed from the north side, which gives the best external view of the forest, it may be desirable to focus access to the approach through St. Simon’s. If so, this will require community sensitization, engagement and capacity building. Developing a guide base there where one could call and book a local guide for a hike through the woods could be one way of promoting community buy in. This could be pursued through small business development funding for the “meet and greet” stand and guide training.
2.4 The relationship between the proposed Turner’s Hall Woods National Forest Candidate Site, national policies, plans and initiatives and international commitments
As a signatory to the Convention on Biological Diversity, Barbados shares in the responsibility of achieving the goal to conserve and manage 30% of the world’s lands, inland waters, coastal areas, and oceans by 2030, with emphasis on areas of particular importance for biodiversity and ecosystem services. Numerous national policies, plans and initiatives are relevant to the establishment of the proposed THW National Forest Candidate Site (Mahon 2015). These include: national policies and plans for conservation areas; policies that encourage support for NGO leadership, community involvement in initiatives such as this; and specific land use policies and plans as they pertain to the National Park and the Open Space System in general and the THW area specifically.
The PDP 2003 and Draft PDP 2017 (Gob 2003, GoB 2017) provide a well-developed policy and regulatory framework for the development of National Forest Candidate Sites (Category OS5 in Barbados Open Space System). Several policy and planning documents identify THW as a National Forest Site. Indeed, The National Park Plan (1998), referred to in the Draft PDP 2017 indicates that THW would be contiguous with an OS2 Conservation Area extending down the Walkers River to Belleplaine. Belleplaine is identified as an area that should be developed as a National Park Centre and trails linking Belleplaine to THW are envisaged.
Several of the policies and plans support the idea of a partnership approach led by an NGO. Overarching policies relating to stakeholder participation in sustainable development can be found in the Barbados Sustainable Development Policy (NCSD, 2004) and in most subsequent policies and plans. The Integrated Coastal Zone Management Plan and the Blue Economy Action Plan state clearly that this should be the approach for establishing conservation areas and parks, on land and in the sea. These documents also emphasize the importance of participatory approaches that engage communities and seek to equitably distribute benefits to stakeholders.
3. Next Steps
The following sequence of activities is proposed to proceed with this initiative:
- Research land ownership in the THW and its surroundings
- Engage with relevant Government agencies and obtain their endorsement of the concept
- Obtain formal agreement between BNT and the GoB that BNT will be the lead partner in this process
- Raise funds for planning
- Engage the communities adjacent to THW and explore role of the community in St Simon’s and/or other adjacent communities in offering goods and services
- Prepare an outline development plan for the Planning Department
- Raise funds for the parking area, reception and toilet facility, interpretation signage and trail markers
- Prepare a management plan (including capacity building) and a business plan
- Establish the THW National Forest Candidate Site, inclusive of a defined buffer zone,
and implement management approach.
4. References
Buckley, P.A., Massiah, E.B., Hutt, M.B., Buckley, F.G. and Hutt, H.F., 2009. The birds of Barbados. An annotated checklist. British Ornithologists’ Union, Peterborough.
CARICOM/ODA/FAO. 1993. National forestry action plan Barbados: main report. CARICOM/ODA/FAO Tropical Forests Action Programme, 49 p.
Carrington, C.M.S. 2011 The environment and ecosystems of Barbados, pp 52-71, in Preserving Paradise. A series of lectures to commemorate the life & work of the late Dr. Colin Hudson, Ed. C.M.S. Carrington, Barbados Museum & Historical Society, St Ann’s Garrison.
Carrington, C. M.S., H. S. Fraser, J. T. Gilmore and G. A. Forde. 2020. A to Z of Barbados heritage (third edition). Miller Publishing, Barbados, 430 p.
Dudley, N. ed., 2008. Guidelines for applying protected area management categories. IUCN, Gland.
Environmental Planning Group Inc. 2014. Final Report – Barbados Tourism Master Plan 2014-2023 – Report II: The Environment. Government of Barbados, Ministry of Tourism and International Transport, Bridgetown, 145 p.
Gooding, E. G. B. 1944. Turner’s Hall Wood Barbados. Caribbean Forester 5(4): 153-169
Government of Barbados. 1998. National Physical Development Plan- Draft, Government of Barbados.
Government of Barbados. 1999. “National Park Development Plan: Guidelines for the Management and Operation of the Barbados National Park and Other natural Heritage Conservation Areas.” Environmental Management and Land Use Project (EMLUP), 390 p.
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Government of Barbados. 2005. National Strategic Plan of Barbados: 2005-2020. Barbados Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs, 190 p.
Government of Barbados. 2017. Draft Physical Development Plan. Barbados: Government of Barbados, 398 p.
Government of Barbados. 2020. National Biodiversity Strategy And Action Plan Update 2020. Barbados: Government of Barbados, 398 p.
Hutt, M.B. 1981. The Barbados National Park Report of an Investigation into the Physical and Ecological Aspects of the Proposed National Park. Barbados: Barbados National Trust, 129 p.
Mahon, R. 2019. Progress with environmental sustainability in Barbados in 50 years of independence. CERMES Technical Report No. 96, 31p.
Mohlenbrock, R.H. 1995. Turner’s Hall Woods, Barbados. Natural history, 104(10),72-74.
NCSD. 2004. National Sustainable Development Policy for Barbados. National Commission on Sustainable Development, Ministry of Housing, Lands and the Environment, Government of Barbados, 52 p.
Pennington, N. C. 1983. Barbados National Park. Government of Barbados.
Schomburgk. 1848. The history of Barbados (reprinted 2005). TGI Digital, Cornwall, 722 p.
Stoute, E. 1985. Remnant of original woods. Sunday Advocate Magazine, 6 October, p8.
Wadsworth, F. H. 1988. Turner’s Hall Wood – unique Barbados heritage. Unpublished MS, 43 p.
