Woodland Management Plans: What You Need to Know

A woodland management plan (WMP) is a key tool in contributing to the management and improvement of woodlands. Woodland management plans are also particularly important when considering the commerciality of a woodland and, if required, a WMP can play a part in demonstrating this. Legacy Forestry provides bespoke UK Forestry Standard (UKFS) compliant management plans using the Forestry Commission format for each individual woodland that we have for sale. This blog provides further detail on what these plans are, the different types, how they are created, why they are important.

What is a woodland management plan and what is involved in creating one?

A woodland management plan is a written document that sets out your long-term goals for your woodland and the practical steps required to achieve them. Typically spanning a 10- or 20-year period (with a 5-year review), a WMP includes details on the woodland’s current condition, species, biodiversity, and intended objectives. The WMP document includes mapping the woodland, and typically includes a felling and restocking plan, access routes, wildlife considerations and a schedule of planned operations.

Are there different types of plans?

The UK Forestry Standard (UKFS) set out the UK government’s approach to woodland management and forestry. A UKFS approved plan is one that meets these requirements, ensuring that the woodland’s activity aligns with best practices across key themes including biodiversity, climate change, soil and water protection and landscape value.

Depending on the size of the woodland, there are different templates available for WMPs to be based upon. Please see this link for further information. While it is possible to have a non-Forestry Commission approved woodland plan, a Forestry Commission approved plan (or equivalent body in Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland) demonstrates that your woodland is being managed responsibly and in line with the UKFS. Importantly, it also unlocks eligibility for:

• Woodland creation and management grants

• Felling licences

• Possible tax advantages

• Environmental stewardship schemes

  
  

As mentioned above, Legacy Forestry takes care of the provision of a bespoke UKFS compliant woodland management plan at the point of purchase.

Can a woodland management plan change?

A woodland management plan is not set in stone and in practice is a “living document”. It can and should be reviewed and updated to reflect changes in your woodland, objectives (commercial or otherwise), or wider environmental conditions. For a woodland to be considered commercial, it is important to demonstrate intention to make a profit, active management, sales and income (e.g. firewood sales), involvement of forestry professionals and grant applications and subsidies. A 5-year WMP review can serve as a good opportunity to record and document these and other commercial elements as part of a woodland’s broader management.

At Legacy Forestry, we support buyers in helping craft woodland management plans that are not only compliant, but practical and commercial - laying the groundwork for productive and well managed woodlands for generations to come.