The Planting Process
The UK has some of the most comprehensive regulations in the world around creating new forests and woodland. Modern forestry requires consideration for environmental impact, ongoing management and public benefit.
What rules cover the planting of forests?
The UK Forestry Standard (UKFS) is a set of rules on how to create and manage woodland in a sustainable, long-lasting way. The forestry industry and environmental groups worked together on the UKFS to ensure modern, wood-producing forests do more than just produce timber - they support wildlife, help the fight against climate change, and fit into the landscape appropriately, etc.
The UKFS says a mix of tree species must be planted, so even in the case of wood-producing forests that principally rely on conifer species, both broadleaf and conifer tree varieties will be abundant.
Aren’t many forests just tightly packed with conifer trees?
After the Second World War through to the 1980s, the UK Government drove the planting of more wood-producing forests solely to grow timber. This meant many forests were planted with single conifer species like spruce and pine, with little or no open space. This policy produced a lot of timber and helped a forestry and wood processing industry to emerge - creating tens of thousands of jobs.
Forests like this have not been planted since the 1990s when the UK Forest Standard was created, and everyone in forestry agreed trees needed to be planted for a mixture of reasons - to benefit the economy, environment and society. It is really important to plant more forests for timber now, as the world is using far more wood - but in a way that also supports wildlife and people, and helps tackle climate change.
What is thinning?
Thinning means removing specific trees to allow the remaining trees to grow taller and stronger, and to produce better-quality timber - for use in areas like construction. Trees that are removed by thinning can be used for firewood, panels or wood pellets and chips.
Thinning relies on there being access into the forest and a market for the thinnings. Access is now designed into forests and the rising value of timber means thinning is normally a profitable activity as well as an investment in the future mature trees that remain.
Why do people get paid money to plant trees?
The UK and devolved governments have decided they want to plant more trees - and this costs money. Grants make a contribution to establishing a woodland, which can take up to 10-15 years. Lower grants are paid if the forest is intended to produce future income from the sale of timber. If a project fails to deliver the planned woodland within an agreed time, some or all of the funds must be paid back.
The owner of the woodland will receive some money from thinning the trees, but most of the income comes from the sale of timber when the forest is mature enough to cut down - around 35 to 50 years for conifer trees and 80 to 120 or more for most broadleaves (like oak and beech, for example).
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What happens if someone wants to plant a forest in my area? Can I Influence the plans before they are finalised?
Forestry policy is devolved to different parts of the UK. Applications to plant are considered by The Forestry Commission in England, Scottish Forestry, Natural Resources Wales and the Forest Service Northern Ireland. All these bodies require consultation to gather the views of local people and organisations, including those responsible for the environment. These can include:
government departments and agencies
local authorities
community councils
neighbours
local interest groups (such as walkers or other sports groups)
Consultation can lead to valuable knowledge and insights to help inform woodland creation or forest management plans. Information about public consultation is distributed locally so anyone who wants to can get involved.
Confor has worked with communities to develop best practice guidance on stakeholder engagement. This is available on our Downloads page.
Will I be able to walk or cycle in my local forest?
The vast majority of new wood-producing forests offer public access from the initial planning stages, and it is normally a requirement of securing permission to plant. For example, Kielder is a large, wood-producing forest in Northumberland which has produced huge quantities of timber, but is also a haven for cyclists, walkers, birdwatchers, water sports enthusiasts and amateur astronomers.
Newer large forests like Jerah in central Scotland have enhanced pathways for cyclists, hill runners and walkers and provided new opportunities for birdwatchers, while Llandegla Forest in Wales is popular with walkers and mountain bikers.