NEWS: Woodland management across our Community Woodlands

Published 20/06/2025

As we’ve been planting trees and creating woodlands since the early 90s, some of our older woodlands are now entering a phase where they need active management to ensure they continue to thrive and deliver the greatest benefits to people, nature and our planet.

A Woodland Management Plan (WMP) is the first priority for the active management of a woodland. It provides a comprehensive and detailed summary of the woodland and the vision for its future, with clear plans for the following 10 years. The baseline summary includes the special characteristics of the woodland – including biodiversity features, age and species structure of the trees and shrubs, presence of any protected species, flood management features, rights of way across the woodland and general accessibility. The WMP also provides a risk assessment for the woodland (looking at its resilience to pests, diseases and climate change) as well as an economic view of the woodland, considering future coppicing and the use of the timber produced.

For our Community Woodlands, which are all under 50 years old, we are exploring Continuous Cover Forestry (CCF). This technique involves measurements to discover how much timber a year is grown, and how much could be sustainably removed from a compartment each year. It’s a very popular model throughout Europe, and a far less intrusive way of managing a woodland. A fine-tuned method, with a high emphasis on regeneration, diversity of species and age structure, CCF is great for biodiversity. A ‘little and often’ approach, it will help us to increase species diversity and slowly move us away from ash- and oak- dominated woodland areas.

More species diversity

As we increase our silvicultural skills, better markets will open up beyond the basic woodchip and firewood, and we will begin to really combine improved biodiversity, carbon capture and leisure & recreation spaces with being more self-sustaining in timber supply and produce. To achieve this we must be bold and start making changes now so future generations can benefit. We need to start redressing the balance in what we plant - for example certain conifers will sequester more carbon than Oaks, over a shorter period of time, and give a quick cash crop after 25 years, if grown well. We have the skills and abilities to achieve goals like timber production, carbon capture, habitat creation, biodiversity, and leisure - now we just need to be bold, put in the work, and create something future generations will thank us for.

" I think there needs to be a real push on breaking away from the Oak based (formerly Ash / Oak) plantings to introduce more conifer and general species diversity, and less shrubs. We are currently the 2nd biggest importer of timber in the world; we should be looking to change this by producing more of our own timber. "

Luke Quenby, Community Forester at the Forest of Marston Vale Trust

Image: Luke leading a guided walk at Reynolds and Holcot Woods

On track at the Grange Estate

We have been working closely with Gareth Biggins, Development Woodland Officer from the Forestry Commission, and he’s been preparing the first draft of a Woodland Management Plan for the Grange Estate in Willington. This 120 hectare woodland was planted from 2009-2010, so is a prime example of a woodland moving from a period of establishment to active management, in order to maximise the benefits that it delivers.

Focus on the Millennium Country Park

The WMP for the Park is now on the Forestry Commission’s public register and will be approved very soon. The plan is to follow a programme of thinning, regen felling and enrichment planting, starting with removing the Ash. The timber from the Park will give the Trust’s firewood team a very local and continual supply - a great example of a circular woodland economy.

A bold vision

As our woodlands mature, the need for thoughtful, active management becomes ever more critical. Planting trees is just the beginning — the real challenge lies in ensuring these spaces continue to thrive and deliver long-term benefits for people, nature, and the planet. With a more diverse approach to species selection, a focus on sustainability, and investment in skills and training, we have a real opportunity to shape resilient, productive, and biodiverse landscapes. By being bold today, we can build woodlands that serve future generations – not only as places for nature and leisure, but as vital resources for climate action and local economies.

You can have an input in the future of our Community Woodlands and help protect the species you see and hear - become a Friend of the Forest! Your donation helps us to protect and grow the Forest and other vital habitats within the Forest of Marston Vale, plus you a get a host of 'Friends' benefits such a free parking, and discounts in the Forest Centre.