Natural England and the Forestry Commission are working together to better understand the interactions between woodland management operations and protected species. Woodland managers have an important opportunity to demonstrate the measures they undertake already for protected species when carrying out woodland operations by responding to this survey.
We are encouraging our members who are woodland owners, agents or from management companies in England to ensure they respond to this survey. The Institute knows only too well how important it is to undertake woodland operations if we are to provide the well managed forests and habitats that benefit biodiversity, alongside social and economic delivery. While such a review conjures up fears of more red tape, additional costs and barriers to woodland management, we hope that with stakeholder input we can demonstrate the responsible management we as a sector undertake to safeguard protected species.
We also hope this review results in more flexibility for operations to be undertaken. For example, reviewing conservation calendars for individual species where feasible to widen operational time windows. Ensuring that critical works are not crammed into the wetter winter months, thus reducing risks of damaging soils, water and the very habitats that support our protected species.
Please note that the survey will close on 29 November 2024.
Take survey
