A Developer’s Guide to Woodland Management

Posted on 12 May 2025 in Biodiversity Net Gain

Your development sites contain a whole host of natural environments, each with their own requirements from an environmental standpoint. A major ecosystem that can be greatly important is woodland, with softwood plantations, broadleaf valleys, and ancient forests all having individual considerations.

At The Habitat Restoration Co., we help developers meet environmental standards through quality woodland management. We’re trusted and certified to deliver a comprehensive suite of woodland management and habitat restoration services, providing a smooth process and peace of mind.

In this blog, we’ll discuss what woodland management entails, why it’s important for developers, and the benefits it offers the environment. For more information, please get in touch.

What is Woodland Management?

Woodland management is the process of caring for different varieties of woodland. It involves ongoing monitoring and active maintenance to ensure the woodland can thrive. For developers, woodland management also involves aftercare to ensure any woodlands affected by your developments can recover back to full strength.

Key components of woodland management include:

• Clear felling and timber harvesting
• Tree surgery
• Thinning, crown lifting, and pruning
• Diseased tree and deadwood removal
• Planting and restocking
• Scrub and vegetation management
• Hedgerow and shelter belt creation

We also offer expert guidance on woodland management plans and aftercare, helping to inform you at the planning stages on what needs to be done to protect and restore woodlands on your site.

Why is Woodland Management Important for Developers?

Many woodlands are protected by regulations that stop developments from being carried out, or at least add more conditions and requirements before they can begin. Here are the three main reasons why woodland management is vital for developers:

Animals and Protected Species

The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations (2017) and the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) both provide legislation on the protection of critical species in woodlands and other habitats. It is an offence to cause harm to many of these listed creatures, so care must be taken when developing in woodlands to detect the presence of protected animals and deploy comprehensive countermeasures that prevent all harm.

Flora and Restricted Woodlands

The Forestry Commission governs the processes for woodland management and creation in the UK. Alongside them, further details can be found from your local authorities on whether or not woodland is protected. Woodland protection organisations such as the Woodland Trust may also be able to offer advice and guidance on which woodlands aren’t suitable for development.

Impact on Habitats

As a developer, you need to adhere to the Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) regulations. These regulations require any development to have a 10% positive gain for any habitats affected. This can be the renovation and care of existing habitats, or the creation of new ones to compensate for any loss. Ancient woodlands in particular are hard to replace, so it is worth weighing up your options for protection versus compensation when planning your development. Speak to our experts to find out more.

Impact on Surrounding Areas

Finally, it is important for developers to consider what woodland removal could mean for surrounding areas. Woodland offers vital natural barriers against flooding and erosion, and provides animals with food and homes. Our ecosystems rely on having healthy woodlands, as does the protection of our towns and cities, so woodland management is essential to keep this impact to a minimum.

The Benefits of Woodland Management for the Environment

As well as being important for developers in general, woodland management also helps you meet your environmental targets. Woodland management offers:

• Preservation of natural carbon sinks
• Protection for endangered wildlife
• Better control for natural disasters
• Biodiversity and habitat renewal
• Reduced need for replanting

By incorporating woodland management into your development plans at initial stages, you position yourself to protect the environment and ensure a smooth process that complies with all the relevant regulations.

Learn different ways economic developments impact the environment – and what you can do about it >

How Developers Can Protect Woodland Areas

Now you know why woodland management is so important for developers, next is to learn how to apply it to your development process. Since woodland management covers so many services, it can be applied across a number of project stages to ensure the best results. Here are a few things to consider for implementing woodland management and protecting woodland areas:

Plan Ahead

Always consider what impact your development could have on habitats on your site. If there’s woodland, consult an expert as to what your legal requirements are and find the best option that balances your development needs with the protection of the woodland.

Compensate for Damages

If woodland is affected by your development, ensure you provide quick and quality compensation. It is best to have another site ready to go as your development begins, enabling you to meet Biodiversity Net Gain regulations with ease.

Check out our planning and development guide for BNG regulations >

Provide Ongoing Maintenance

Even after new trees have been planted and your development has been completed, you will need to provide ongoing maintenance for the woodland on your site. This ensures it can continue to thrive, protecting it until it is in a state where it can maintain itself.

Work with a Trusted Partner

From planning to restoration and maintenance, you will need a trusted partner to help you with your woodland management efforts. Look for the right qualifications, experience, and range of associated services to ensure you get the best overview of habitats on your site.

Improve Your Environmental Impact with Woodland Management from THRC

Woodland management protects, maintains, and provides aftercare for woodlands associated with your developments. This helps you align with regulations, protect indigenous species, and meet your environmental goals – all while preserving our vibrant natural heritage.

At The Habitat Restoration Co., it is our mission to support developers with woodland management and protection, helping you put in place a plan of action that preserves woodland while achieving your goals. For more information, get in touch with the team.

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