• Welcome
• Services
  • Managing Tree Related Risk
  • Tree Surveys
  • Trees & Development
  • Trees and the Built Environment
  • Tree Protection
  • Woodland Management
  • Wildlife Management
• The Team
• Publications
• Blog
• Contact Us
• Links
• Site Map

For further information, please either contact us or call on 01608 648 657

Quick links to other services
Managing Tree Related Risk - Tree hazard surveys
Tree Surveys - Tree Identification / Tree Pests & Diseases
Trees & Development - The impact of trees on buildings (BS5837)
Trees & the Built Environment - Subsidence and the impact of trees on built structures
Tree Protection - Conservation Areas, Tree Preservation Orders
Wildlife Management - Bats, Birds and Habitats

Woodland Management

Woodland Management requires structure and planning. The benefits of small, well-managed woodlands are rarely appreciated, but can be summarised as:

• Timber and wood production - with sustainability being a key word in the lexicon of environmentally aware people and organisations, utilising low grade timber from small woodlands is key way in which we can increase our low carbon output, at a low cost. Government incentives are available (click here for information on the renewable heat incentive) to encourage householders to install renewable energy sources. Local government (click here for West Oxfordshire District Council’s information page) is also offering support for renewable schemes, and are seeking reliable sources of timber to meet the anticipated demand.

• Landscape enhancement - Woodlands are a vital component of the countryside and can add to the beauty of an area. Additionally, increasing attention to being given to the urban woodland and the benefits that this can bring to communities that are not traditionally seen being able to take advantage to a woodland environment.

• Nature conservation - Woodlands in the UK have some of the richest biodiversity in Europe due to the longevity of some forest area - for example The New Forest or The Forest of Dean. Smaller woodlands can be just as old and have just as much conservation value which will require care and planning to protect and enhance for the enjoyment of future generations

• Recreation - Woodlands can be used for any number of recreational activity, from sports such as shooting to more peaceful pastimes such as walking. They are children’s playgrounds and adventure areas, while also being a source of education. Adults often like the tranquility of small glades to relax. Woodlands edges close to houses can be incorporated into the garden.

• Shelter/Screening - Woodlands can provide shelter to livestock, , homes or crops. Woodlands can screen unsightly buildings, drown out intrusive noises, protect a property from prevailing winds, or just simply give some privacy.

• Carbon fixing - Trees absorb carbon dioxide as part of their living process. This is stored within the timber as carbon, blocking it from re-entering the atmosphere. Until such time as a tree is removed and the timber either burnt or left to rot, that tree is a carbon sink, helping mitigate against climate change with the increasing levels of carbon dioxide in the air.

• Heritage value - There is approximately 340,000 hectares of ancient woodland in England. Ancient woodland is defined as areas of woodland in existence pre-1600, and still in existence today. These woods have huge conservation and biodiversity importance, and it is vital they are protected.

• Property value - A well managed woodland can add value to a rural property as well as benefitting neighbouring properties.

The majority of work that takes place within a woodland will require some from of management planning, and will also require consent from the Forestry Commission for a licence to fell trees. The Forestry Commission* is also able to offer grant aid to assist in the financial costs of managing woodlands, and sometimes with planning advice.

Tree Frontiers is able to assist in grant applications and the preparation of woodland management plans, as well as offering more general advice on woodland management.


* In January 2011 the government commenced a public consultation into the future of the Forestry Commission, as part of a wider consultation on the future management of woodlands and forests owned by the Forestry Commission. The results of this consultation may mean fundamental changes to the future management of woodlands in the UK, although given the commitment to sustainable forestry, any changes are likely to increase the benefits to woodland owners and managers.