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.
Management planning Print version
2.1 Documentation
MP
BAP		 2.1.1 Guidance

Requirement

All woodlands shall be covered by management planning documentation which shall incorporate:

a.

A long-term policy for the woodland.

b.

Assessment of relevant aspects of the woodland resource.

c.

Identification of any special characteristics and sensitivities of the woodland and appropriate treatments.

d.

Set and prioritise objectives.

e.

Rationale for management prescriptions.

f.

Outline planned felling and regeneration over the next 20 years.

g.

Rationale for the operational techniques to be used.

h.

Plans for implementation, first five years in detail.

i.

Appropriate maps.

j.

Plans to monitor, at least those elements identified under section 2.3.2 against the objectives.

k.

Specific measures to maintain or enhance those areas identified under section 6.1.1 considering areas where either the extent of these areas or their sensitivity to operations may be unknown.

Means of verification

All woodlands:
  • Management planning documentation
  • Appropriate maps and records.
SLIM Woodlands:
  • Long-term management objectives will suffice to meet (a).

Assessment and mapping of the woodland resource should include appropriate aspects of physical, silvicultural, ecological, archaeological, social and landscape issues and any special characteristics (see lists from pages 19-22, UK Forestry Standard), and demonstrate consideration to neighbouring landowners. Relevant UK Biodiversity Action Plan Habitat Action Plans (HAPs) and Species Action Plans (SAPs) should be taken into account.

The documentation and level of detail associated with the planning process should be appropriate to:

  • The size of the woodland
  • Its environmental and social sensitivity
  • The intensity of management
  • The likely impact of the operations planned
  • Context in the landscape
  • UKBAP priority woodland and non-woodland habitats and species.

The documentation might be:

  • For low intensity managed woodlands: a brief statement of intent and an annotated map
  • For other woodlands: a plan covering a 20 year period and incorporating an assessment at the landscape level.
The management planning documentation should cover all elements of the requirement but may refer to other documents as appropriate, including permissions where required from applicable regulatory and licensing authorities.
MP 2.1.2

Requirement

While respecting the confidentiality of information, woodland managers shall, upon request, make publicly available management planning documentation, or a summary of its primary elements including those listed in section 2.1.1.

Means of verification

  • Management planning documentation
  • Summary management planning documentation.

MP 2.1.3 Guidance

Requirement

The management planning documentation shall be reviewed every five years as a minimum.

Means of verification

  • Management planning documentation.

The review should be conducted in order to assess whether any aspects of the management planning documentation require revising or updating taking into account, for example:

  • Monitoring data (see section 2.3.4)
  • Advances in scientific research
  • Improved forestry practice guidance
  • Results from surveys, research and consultation relating to the woodland covered by the management planning documentation.