Protecting, enhancing and sustaining existing trees, hedgerows and woodlands is a key objective of the Forest Plan. We promote responsible and sustainable management practices to safeguard, restore and improve the health, biodiversity and resilience of these vital natural assets.
Woodlands and trees deliver the greatest benefits when they are under well-planned, long-term management. Proper care ensures the longevity and strengthens their resilience against pests, diseases and climate change, while delivering lasting environmental, social and economic benefits.
We place particular emphasis on the sensitive survey and management of Ancient Semi-Natural Woodland (ASNW) and the restoration of Plantations on Ancient Woodland Sites (PAWS).
Protecting, enhancing and sustaining existing woodlands, trees and hedgerows is a key objective of the Forest Plan. We promote responsible and sustainable management practices to safeguard, restore and improve the health, biodiversity and resilience of these vital natural assets.
Woodlands, trees and hedgerows deliver the greatest benefits when they are under well-planned, long-term management. Proper care ensures the longevity and strengthens their resilience against pests, diseases and climate change, while delivering lasting environmental, social and economic benefits.
We place particular emphasis on the sensitive survey and management of Ancient Semi-Natural Woodland (ASNW) and the restoration of Plantations on Ancient Woodland Sites (PAWS).
While woodland management involves financial costs, well-managed woodlands offer high returns on investment, including:
- Public safety and amenity
- Economic gains from timber and wood fuel
- Enhanced biodiversity and ecological health
- Improved public wellbeing and access to nature
In many cases, woodland management can be more cost-effective than maintaining amenity grassland, offering both environmental and financial sustainability.
Engaging communities in woodland management ensures that these spaces are safe, accessible, and welcoming. Well-maintained woodlands can deter anti-social behaviour and offering amenities such as:
- Benches and footpaths.
- Cycleway and signposts
- Natural play areas and interpretation boards.
Traditional practices like coppicing, thinning, and habitat creation further enhance biodiversity and ecological value.
Woodlands can be managed for high-quality timber, wood fuel, and climate adaptation including water management. Management approaches vary depending on site type and objectives, ranging from:
- Minimal intervention
- Targeted one-off actions
- Regular maintenance.
Wherever possible, we promote continuous cover forestry, community engagement, and efforts to minimise disturbances.
- Public safety and amenity
- Economic gains from timber and wood fuel
- Enhanced biodiversity and ecological health
- Improved public wellbeing and access to nature
In many cases, woodland management can be more cost-effective than maintaining amenity grassland, offering both environmental and financial sustainability.
Woodland management plans provide clear direction for the care and stewardship of individual woodland establishments. They apply principles from the UK Forestry Standard (UKFS), offering both regulatory and best practice guidance to support sustainable forest management.
We will work with landowners and communities both during new planting and with existing woodland owners to help them develop Forestry Commission approved management plans. These plans can help secure grants for planting and maintenance safeguarding the investment in trees and woodlands for decades to come.
Our aim is to co-create management plans that reflect landowners needs while recommending actions that deliver the best overall outcomes. Plans will consider green infrastructure health, pest and disease management, climate adaptation, biodiversity, and wildlife value.
Management may range from one-off interventions to regular, ongoing activity, depending on site type and objectives. We will also offer delivery services for woodland management plans and related works through partnerships with organisations that align with Community Forest values and plan objectives.
Key Principles of Sustainable Woodland Management
Management plans will promote:
- Biodiversity gains and diverse species mixes
- Protection of ancient trees and development of veteran tree features
- Agroforestry and timber production opportunities,
- Resilience against pests and diseases
- Natural regeneration and climate adaptation
Regeneration
Encouraging cycles of regeneration either naturally or through planting, helps woodlands develop their own disease resistance and adapt to climate conditions.
Diversity
Low species diversity can put woodlands at significant risk from pests and diseases such as ash dieback, needle blight, bark and longhorn beetles, pathogens and fungi pathogens. Management should consider species age, height and structural diversity.
Pest and Disease Control
Unmanaged woodlands are at risk from pests and diseases. Management services will include preventive and adaptive measures to protect woodland health.
Regional Threats and Management Responses
Ash should only be felled when they pose a material risk safety risk (roadside trees of high-use areas) or as part of normal silvicultural operations. Organisations will have their own definition of what presents a material safety risk, but the Woodland Trust’ s zoning approach or the Quantified Tree Risk Assessment (QTRA) are recommended approaches. Where viable, retaining affected trees can help enable resistance to ash dieback to develop among the species, and retaining the dead wood can provide habitat value for wildlife.
Grey Squirrels damage woodlands by stripping bark from trees, main trunks and branches, mainly targeting young trees. This damage is detrimental to woodland ecosystems and disincentivises the planting of broadleaved species for timber. Control measures may be necessary in affected areas.
Overgrazing by deer can be a problem in existing and newly woodlands, leading to tree damage and reduction in ground flora. Deer populations should be managed where evidence suggests it is necessary and feasible to promote positive conservation outcomes. Management may include, fencing or individual tree protection, targeted culling of deer to a specific density where monitoring indicates it is necessary and collaboration with local deer management groups. Where such groups do not exist, a local group could be established. Participation in wider, collaborative management schemes at landscape scale is often a more effective approach to deer control. Only non-toxic ammunition should be used to reduce the amount of lead entering the environment and potentially the human food chain.
Guidance available from:
WS1 Deer management plan guide – GOV.UK
Forestry England Managing deer in the nation’s forests | Forestry England
Since 1990, the UK has seen a significant rise in invasive non-native tree pests and diseases driven by the increase in global imports of plants and trees. The UK Plant Health Risk Register identifies over 127 high risk pests and diseases that could significantly impact the UK’s trees and woodlands. The impact of tree pests and diseases is also predicted to become more severe under changing climatic conditions. While not all have reached northern England, key threats include, Ash dieback, Longhorn beetles, Fungal pathogens, Deer and squirrel damage
Tree density affects woodland health, biodiversity, and long-term resilience. Overcrowding can lead to competition for light, water and nutrients, causing stress, reduced survival rates and greater vulnerability to pests, disease and climate impacts.
Planting at appropriate densities supports healthy growth, structural diversity and ecosystem function. It ensures woodlands thrive over time, store carbon effectively, provide wildlife habitat and deliver benefits for people and nature. Careful planning balances rapid canopy development with long-term health and adaptability.