Writing a Woodland Management Plan (2 Day)

A well-structured Woodland Management Plan provides the foundation for sustainable woodland stewardship, informed decision-making, and access to funding.

This two-day course develops the practical skills required to produce a Forestry Commission-compliant plan that reflects both ecological priorities and operational realities.

Course overview

Woodland Management Plans (WMPs) are essential for managing woodlands responsibly over the long term. They support clear objectives, guide interventions, and are often required to access grant funding or demonstrate compliance with regulatory expectations.

This course provides a practical introduction to writing a Woodland Management Plan for broadleaf woodland, combining classroom-based learning with a structured site visit. Delegates will work through the core components of a plan, from defining objectives and assessing woodland condition to mapping, measurement, and implementation planning.

Training focuses on producing a clear, usable document, not simply completing a template. Emphasis is placed on aligning ecological considerations with practical management, avoiding common pitfalls, and ensuring plans meet Forestry Commission requirements.

Key benefits

• Understand the purpose and role of Woodland Management Plans in long-term stewardship

• Gain confidence using Forestry Commission templates and guidance effectively

• Develop practical skills in woodland assessment, mapping, and measurement

• Learn how to align ecological priorities with operational management

• Avoid common mistakes that delay approval or reduce plan quality

• Understand how WMPs support access to grants and funding opportunities

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

• Explain the structure and purpose of a Woodland Management Plan

• Draft a simple, Forestry Commission-compliant plan for a broadleaf woodland

• Define management objectives based on site condition and long-term outcomes

• Integrate ecological, silvicultural, and operational considerations into planning

• Apply basic mapping and measurement techniques to inform decision-making

• Use Forestry Commission templates and supporting tools appropriately

• Recognise common issues and improve the clarity and usability of a plan

Who should attend

This course is suitable for:

• Landowners and woodland owners

• Estate and land managers

• Forestry and environmental professionals

• Those responsible for woodland stewardship or preparing plans for grant applications

• Anyone seeking a practical understanding of Woodland Management Plans and how to produce one