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
3.5 Conversion to non-forested land
3.5.1 Guidance

Requirement

Woodland identified in section 6.1.1 shall not be converted to non-forested land.

Felling of part of a woodland and restoration of that part to non-forested land shall be carried out only where there is no evidence of substantial dispute and the new land use meets at least one of the following criteria:

  • The new land use will be more ecologically valuable than the woodland in terms of the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. This shall be demonstrated by a transition plan which complies with the UK Forestry Standard and the UK Woodland Assurance Standard and includes monitoring
  • The new land use constitutes an improvement in the landscape
  • The new land use is required for cultural or archaeological maintenance or restoration.

Means of verification

  • Transition plan
  • Management planning documentation for area after felling
  • Records of planning process and discussions
  • Consultation with interested parties
  • Monitoring records
  • Environmental impact assessment process documentation.

This requirement relates to habitat restoration, landscape improvement or archaeological protection.

Under current regulations an environmental impact assessment may be required before such conversions are implemented. Timber felled from such areas may be sold as sourced from a certified woodland. The subsequent management should integrate the deforested area with the rest of the woodland management planning documentation.

This requirement does not relate to clearance for development such as roads and houses. Timber felled from areas cleared for construction which is not related to the management of the woodland may not be sold as sourced from a certified woodland.

See also section 6.1.3 in relation to small scale habitats within a woodland matrix.