Woodland Management (Native)

The first few years after planting are critical to grow strong trees, and getting the maintenance work right during this period will give you an  established woodland that requires minimal ongoing work.

The main aims of young woodland maintenance are:

• Controlling weeds
• Protecting against wildlife damage
• Replacing losses

Forestry Grant Scheme (FGS) funding for woodland creation includes annual maintenance payments for the first 5 years. These payments are intended to help get the woodland successfully established.  This means the trees are healthy and in a condition that they can continue to grow without further weed control, at the stocking density required by the contract.

Once the woodland has been established and is out-competing neighbouring vegetation the management becomes less intensive.

For mature native woodlands there are a range of grant subsidised capital items and funding towards operations such as rhododendron removal.  In order to be eligible for these funding options a management plan or long term forest plan must be in place.  To see what different funding options are available through the Forestry Grant Scheme see links below;

Woodland Improvement Grant

Sustainable Management of Forests

More information regarding native woodland management can be found below;

Practical Guide – Maintenance for New Woodlands