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Woodland Management

About this service

Woodland management plans

A Woodland Management Plan, also known as WMP, encompasses what you, as a farmer or landowner, would like to see happen within the woodlands on your land.

Depending on the size of the woodland, advisor’s fees for writing and submitting the plan can be covered by a stand alone Countryside Stewardship grant – PA3 – available to all with SBI number.

The benefits

The benefits of Woodland Management

An approved plan is valid for 10 years and comes with a felling license for the same length of time. It also enables the owner to apply for CS Higher Tier which offers funding for many more ambitious actions within your woodland like fencing coppiced areas, surgery on veteran trees, ride creation, deer and squirrel management, rhododendron control and many more.

Woodland management strikes a balance between habitat enhancement and economic gain for a farm business from timber extraction.

Through ride restoration/creation or timber extraction, Norfolk farmers and landowners can introduce new revenue streams to further the growth and prosperity of their businesses.

Grants

Tree Health Grant

There are many pests and diseases which pose a threat to woodland’s health and sustainability. In our region one of the most common is ash die-back, also known as Chalara, which has killed off many ash trees.

Farmer/landowner can access a stand alone CS Tree Health grant which covers capital items i.e. trees, tubes or fencing if appropriate for replanting of the felled diseased ash areas. 

Long Term

Agroforestry: a sustainable solution for Norfolk farms

Agroforestry, the integration of trees and shrubs into farming practices, offers a multitude of benefits for Norfolk’s agricultural landscape. It enhances soil health, improves water quality, boosts biodiversity, and combats climate change through carbon sequestration.

Economically, agroforestry diversifies income streams, improves crop yields, and reduces costs. Additionally, it creates opportunities for eco-tourism and carbon credit schemes.

In the long term, agroforestry fosters a resilient and productive landscape, adaptable to challenges like extreme weather.

Norfolk FWAG supports farmers and landowners in implementing agroforestry practices, helping them access funding through schemes like the Countryside Stewardship Scheme..

Contact Us

Who do I need to speak to?

Marta has a wealth of knowledge and experience in woodland management, tree planting applications, and agroforestry options.

She will be able to provide up to date advice on the best management for your existing woodlands, or provide thorough help with completing applications for grant funding towards new planting schemes or for managing existing woodlands.

Testimonials

What people say about Norfolk FWAG

Roydon Hall Farms LtdMichael Rae
Marta of Norfolk FWAG successfully and efficiently acquired for Roydon Hall Farms Limited a forestry felling (thinning) license. This involved dealing with the complexities of the forestry commissions processes for about 10 Woodland blocks ranging in size from one hectare to 15 ha. This was achieved by Marta having a thorough knowledge of the processes involved in dealing with the forestry commission and an understanding of what we were trying to achieve.
J&C FarmsDavid Marsham
Norfolk FWAG have been extremely helpful in helping the West Norfolk Nature Network build its Landscape Recovery application. From assisting with LandApp mapping through to proof reading and provision of much needed capacity during the enrollment phase, the team have been great.
Mouche LtdKirsty Alston
I really could not have done this without the incredible knowledge and support and availability and willingness from FWAG’S Henry and Charlie. They were so helpful. The phone advice really was so appreciated to gain insight and help us move to the next stages. And we finally and proudly have a farm that is giving back to wildlife. I hope and endeavour to grow the possibilities for wildlife on our farm with the continued help and advice from FWAG. Thanks no end.
Pastures & Habitats LtdSimon Hashim
NFWAG have extensive knowledge on the management of wet grassland and grazing marshes. They gathered the information needed for the Higher Tier Scheme and put the application in. It was successful. They are fully up to date and aware of environmental regulations, prescriptions and opportunities

Case studies

What we've been up to

Woodland Creation Advice Funding

Norfolk FWAG has positively worked with Norfolk County Council (NCC) on a support scheme for woodland planting schemes across Norfolk.  NCC were successful in obtaining funding from DEFRA’s Woodland Creator Accelerator Funding (WCAF) to support tree planting across Norfolk.  NFWAG entered into a consultancy agreement with NCC to provide advice and

Read More »

Aquatic Invasive Plants – Team Training Day

Invasive non-native species are one of the top 5 drivers of global biodiversity loss and are estimated to cost the UK economy up to £2 billion annually. Over 2000 species have been introduced to the UK; these are known as non-native species. Not of these are harmful, however, around 10-15%

Read More »

Fen Restoration Near Norwich

Discover how Norfolk FWAG transformed a derelict marsh near Norwich into a thriving lowland fen, restoring biodiversity, improving flood resilience, and rewetting peatlands to combat climate change. Project Duration: 2022–2025Location: Near Norwich, NorfolkFunding: Environment Agency Water Environment Improvement Fund (WEIF) Background Norfolk FWAG was approached by a landowner with a

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the step-by-step process to seek support?

Norfolk Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group specialise in Woodland Management services for farms as part of agricultural conservation efforts. Members can access our farming advisory service at discounted rates compared to non-members and this provides you with expert Woodland Management services to benefit your land, such as us marking veteran trees as part of a woodland survey for future monitoring of these priceless biodiversity hubs.

As for the process of a Woodland Management Plan, the writing of a WMP is an involved process that entails:

  • Producing woodland inventory and mapping your woodland
  • Estimating tree volumes for a felling licence
  • A historical overview of the site

 

From here, Woodland Management will progress to consulting with Historic Environment as well as the client’s Environmental Record Centre. In regards to agent fees, there is a Countryside Stewardship (CS) stand-alone grant that may be available to you. Once approved, this will cover a decent proportion of the agent’s fees and will be valid for 10 years.

By taking Woodland Management seriously, both Norfolk farmers and the environment can reap the rewards. With a Woodland Management Plan in place, you enable yourself to manage your land better, providing health and longevity to your woodland area(s) by following your chosen management plan.

By becoming a member of Norfolk Farming Wildlife and Advisory Group, you can benefit from instant and regular access to our team of professionals at preferential rates compared to non-members. Through our farming advisory service, we match you with an expert on our team who specialises in managing and enhancing woodland on farms.

There are multiple advantages to creating a Woodland Management Plan – from the protection of priceless veteran trees to enabling farmers to apply for CS Higher Tier – and our experts can aid you in navigating all aspects that may apply to you, such as deer management plans, felling licences, and woodland grant schemes.