KEY
The following abbreviations have been used throughout the text to highlight sources of additional information. More info.		 MP    Management Planning Guidance and Framework
BAP  Biodiversity Action Plan
FRM  Forest Reproductive Material Regulations		 References. See Appendix for references which give further guidance.
Woodland design: creation, felling and replanting Print version
3.1 Assessment of environmental impacts
BAP
MP
 3.1.1 Guidance

Requirement

The environmental impacts of new planting and other woodland plans shall be assessed before operations are implemented, in a manner appropriate to the scale of the operations and the sensitivity of the site.

Means of verification

All woodlands:
  • Management planning documentation
  • Documented environmental impact assessment or ‘Appropriate Assessment’ where such has been requested by the FC or DARD.
Non-SLIM woodlands:
  • Design plans
  • Documented environmental appraisals.

Depending on scale and sensitivity the assessment of environmental impacts may be:

  • Brief environmental appraisals for planting or felling which might affect sites recognised for cultural, landscape, hydrological or ecological value
  • Ecological assessments of ancient semi-natural woodland and projections of their response to management and natural processes
  • Specific assessments for unusual and/or extensive operations
  • Specialist advice on impacts of woodland operations on rare or vulnerable species or special sites
  • Specialist advice on the impact of woodland operations on archaeological sites and landscapes
  • Checks against relevant UK Biodiversity Action Plan Habitat Action Plans (HAPs) and Species Action Plans (SAPs).
BAP
MP		 3.1.2 Guidance

Requirement

The impacts of woodland plans shall be considered at a landscape level, taking due account of the interaction with adjoining land and other nearby habitats.

Means of verification

All woodlands:
  • Management planning documentation
  • Maps
  • Discussions with the owner/manager.
Non-SLIM woodlands:
  • Design plans.

In particular, planning including layout and design of woodland should take into account the following factors and action should be taken if required:

  • The character of other woodland in the area
  • Needs or impacts of animals (both wild and domestic) which use both woodland and surrounding land
  • Impacts on flora in the woodland and on surrounding land
  • Scale and pattern of open land
  • Habitats which are continuous from inside to outside the woodland (e.g. watercourses)
  • Woodland margins as transitional habitats
  • Linking open space within the woodland with similar habitats outside
  • The spread of invasive species into or out of the woodland
  • Impacts on natural features (e.g. wetlands, rock exposures, drainage patterns)
  • Nature of historic landscapes and links with similar archaeological sites outside the woodland
  • Relevant UK Biodiversity Action Plan Habitat Action Plans (HAPs) and Species Action Plans (SAPs).
MP 3.1.3

Requirement

The results of the environmental assessments shall be incorporated into planning and implementation in order to minimise adverse impacts.

Means of verification

  • Management planning documentation
  • Discussions with owner/manager
  • Field observations.