Identify and assess sensitivities for your forest management plan application

When you apply for a forest management plan you must use the sensitivities form to tell us about:

sensitivities on, adjacent to, or functionally connected to your forest management unit
compartments or sub-compartments affected
risks to, and impacts on, the sensitivity and how you will manage them
any consultation required

Use this page to find out:

which maps and datasets can help you identify sensitivities
if you may need additional consents or permissions
if you must carry out consultation

What we mean by ‘sensitivities’

Sensitivities are features, areas, species or constraints that require special consideration due to their environmental, cultural, legal or operational importance.

Approximately 30% of Wales’ land and waters are designated for wildlife, landscape or geological interest.

Other sensitivities include protected species, historic features, veteran trees, hedgerows, watercourses, access routes and infrastructure.

Sensitivities you should consider

Consider all sensitivities listed on this page in sections 1 to 8.

How to identify sensitivities

Use our interactive map viewer as a starting point to identify sensitivities.

Find other maps or data sources under each sensitivity on this page.

Where mapped data is insufficient, use site surveys, professional advice and other datasets. An absence of records does not confirm absence of a sensitivity.

Do not limit your assessment to the extent of your forest management unit (FMU). Consider all sensitivities within, adjacent to, or those which are functionally connected to your FMU. Your activities may have off-site effects on functionally connected sensitivities. For example:

a watercourse within the FMU drains into a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) designated river. This may result in an increased risk of sedimentation input from forest operations.
bats in a nearby SAC are reliant on woodland roosts within the FMU. Forest operations may result in a loss of supporting habitat for a European Protected Species.
a council road is situated beneath a steeply sloping FMU. Clearfelling may result in an increased risk of flooding and landslides, posing a risk to public safety.

Consultation

Some sensitivities trigger statutory consultation. For others, the UK Forestry Standard states that it is good practice to undertake stakeholder engagement where your plan is likely to impact sensitivities. In some situations it is your responsibility to ensure consultation and engagement is completed. In other situations it is our responsibility.

Further guidance on consultation is provided for each sensitivity.

Undertake all consultation prior to applying for your forest management plan and upload consultation responses as part of your application.

Other consents and permissions

Some sensitivities may require additional consents or permissions for you to legally carry out your proposed activities. It is your responsibility to secure all necessary consents and permissions before beginning your operations.

1. Designated sites

Use our interactive map viewer to find the following designated sites.

National Nature Reserves (NNR)

NNRs are designated to protect and manage nationally important habitats, species and geological features.