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Devon Local Nature Partnership

restoring nature together

Knowledge hub

Forest management plans


This table shows the stages in the production of a forest management plan, and how this guidance can help.

Stage (from UKFS)Objective (from UKFS)*How this guidance can help
1. ScopingDevelopment of management objectivesHelping to identify potential tree-planting/regeneration opportunities within the landscape of your planting site and aiding the decision on what kind of trees you would like to encourage (for example hedgerow trees, orchards, scrub, productive woodland).
1. ScopingAnalysis of interests or ‘stakeholder analysis’Providing links to relevant National, County or Local strategies/ policies/ plans related to tree and woodland creation. Providing links to relevant specialist groups, for example hedge-related organisations, or the Woodland Trust.
2. SurveyCollection of informationSignposting to the relevant key information sources (for example Landscape Character Assessments and the Devon County Council Environment Viewer) so comprehensive information about the planting/ regeneration site (and any associated planting opportunities or constraints) can be collated.
3. AnalysisAssessment of survey informationExplaining how to use the key information sources referenced in the Survey stage to identify landscape components and develop planting design principles, and to identify constraints to tree planting/ regeneration such as existing non-treed habitats, or archaeological sites.
4. SynthesisDevelopment of a design conceptEnabling a broad planting/ regeneration concept which responds to need, whilst respecting and enhancing local landscape character; avoiding loss of valued habitats and heritage sites, and (where appropriate) enabling people to enjoy and benefit from tree planting.
4. SynthesisDevelopment of a draft management planEnabling the distilling of information on landscape, biodiversity, and heritage so that the design concept can be developed into a detailed design.
4. SynthesisFinalisation of the plan and submission for approvalBeyond the scope of this guidance
5. ImplementationDevelopment and implementation of work programmesInforming safe souring of seeds and plants to improve biosecurity
6. MonitoringEvaluation of progressBeyond the scope of this guidance
7. ReviewPeriodic updates of the forest management planBeyond the scope of this guidance

*The full table can be found on page 29 of the UKFS 2017