Technical note on Forestry and Woodland Strategies

A FWS can help a Planning Authority realise a wide range of social, economic and environmental benefits from the forests and woodlands in its area. 

These benefits will be experienced by those involved in:

• creating new woodland
• managing maturing woodlands
• harvesting
• transporting
• sawmilling
• manufacturing timber products

Benefits will also be experienced by those involved in forest-based activities that support:

• physical activity
• mental well-being
• community development
• tourism
• education
• appreciation of historic sites
• environmental protection

By helping to inform decisions about creating and managing woodland and developing the local forestry sector, a FWS has a key role to play in maximising these benefits.

By steering woodland creation to the most appropriate locations, a FWS can also help to reduce conflict over proposals and encourage successful grant applications.

A range of issues will still need to be considered at the local level, including community aspirations and concerns.

For this reason, during the process to develop a FWS, consideration should also be given to Local Place Plans where they exist.