Bringing our woodlands and other habitats such as grasslands, heathlands and wetlands into active management is important to promote nature’s recovery and ensure that the wider benefits of the Forest can be maximised. Good management can help to provide habitat structure for wildlife, reduce risks from pests and diseases, manage public access and support timber production. It is also often part of farm and business diversification to better integrate woodlands with other land uses.
We support the active management of more than 400ha of woodland and other habitats each year working with our network of landowning partners. Using woodland management and habitat enhancement grants, we are able to advise on and support the work required, together with targeted species recovery schemes. This also includes training and support for a growing number of specialist agents and contractors as well as volunteering groups in the Forest, to increase the skills, expertise and equipment needed for management.