National Vegetation Classification

The National Vegetation Classification (NVC) is a common standard to classify and describe the natural plant communities of Britain, used by many organisations, including nature conservation and countryside management organisations, forestry, agriculture, water agencies and local authorities. Knowing the woodland NVC classes associated with your area will give you a good indication of the types and trees that are suitable for your site. The UK Soil Observatory has an online mapping system providing a wide range of information about the UK’s soils. A map showing which woodland NVC classes relate to different types of soils can be accessed through the Soil Biodiversity menu.

Devon contains several Native Woodland classes

Map showing native woodland in Devon

The Conservation Handbook’s website has a simple table highlighting the tree and scrub species associated with each woodland NVC classification.