Guidance

NaturalEcological environment survey and assessment instructionsfor woodland creation in England

Find out how to assess whether your site might be suitable for woodland creation by carrying out species and vegetation surveys.

From:
Forestry Commission
Published
22 December 2021
Last updated
309 November 20222023 — See all updates

Applies to England

Documents

Ecological survey and assessment for woodland creation (England)

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Natural

Ecological environment survey and assessment instructionsfor woodland creation (England)

PDF, 588576 KB, 35 pages

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Annexes: Ecological survey and assessment for woodland creation (England)

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Details

You should use this guidance when the Forestry Commission tells you that oneecological orsurveys more(for ofexample thepeat, followinghabitat surveysor are needed:

  • peat
  • vegetation
  • breeding birds

Specialistbirds) surveysare may be needed where special features are identified on or adjoining a proposed woodland creation site.

This guidance replaces all other Forestry Commission guidance on natural environment surveys.

Published 22 December 2021
Last updated 309 November 20222023 + show all updates

  1. This document was updated and renamed in October 2023 to reflect our experience from surveys carried out in 2021/2022 and in response to recent research and small changes to Forestry Commission incentives. Information has been clarified in relation to timing and data searches, and minor changes have been made to requirements for survey methods, mapping, reporting and assessment. The guidance has been endorsed by the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM).

  2. 'Natural environment survey and assessment instructions' updated.