Management costs

There are many aspects to be considered when managing a woodland, far more than be covered in detail here. However, a number of topics can be touched upon along with pointers to more detailed information sources. A small Forestry Commission booklet entitled ‘So, You Own a Woodland?’ is very useful aid to the small woodland owner. It is available free on request from the South Yorkshire Forest office, contact Len Carr on 0114 257119 or Len.Carr@syforest.co.uk .

If you are going to manage a woodland, the best thing to start with is a management plan. This will describe your woodland, set out your aims and objectives, highlight resources and constraints and then outline prescriptions for achieving your aims. A management plan template can be found on the Forestry Commission’s website. Click HERE to download. Of course the details included in your plan will depend on the size of your woodland and the benefits likely to be achieved. Some sort of plan is advisable though.

Advice on woodland planning is available from the Forestry Commission and South Yorkshire Forest Partnership. Forestry consultants are also available to assist with woodland plans. A list of consultants is available HERE.

Other factors to consider when managing your woodland are: ·

. Is it covered by a tree preservation order (TPO) or is it within a Local Authority Conservation Area? To find out, consult your local planning authority.· Do you need a felling licence? Click HERE to find out.

· Is your woodland an ancient woodland (in existence since the year 1600) or planted on an ancient woodland site? Is it a Site of Special Scientific Interest on inside South Yorkshire Forest? Ask some one from the Forestry Commission or South Yorkshire Forest Partnership. Alternatively, have a look at the Forestry Commission’s Land Information Search HERE.

. The actual operations implemented within woodlands, from thinning trees out to constructing footpaths, are many and diverse. Detailed advice is available from The Forestry Commission, South Yorkshire Forest Partnership or a Forestry Consultant. There are also many publications available, have a look at those available from the Forestry Commission HERE.

Your local Forestry Commission Woodland Officer is Mr. Chris Grice, telephone 01904 448778 or e-mail chris.grice@forestry.gsi.gov.uk . The Community Forester at South Yorkshire Forest Partnership is Len Carr, telephone 0114 257119 or e-mail Len.Carr@syforest.co.uk . A list of forestry consultants is available HERE.