Submit an existing forest management plan as part of your application

If you already have a forest management plan, such as a verified UKWAS plan, you can submit it as part of your application. You must still complete an online application, but you will skip some sections that are covered by your existing plan.

1. Complete the other plan checklist

Complete and upload the checklist to:

  • check that your plan contains all the information we need
  • tell us where we can find the information in your plan

Download the other plan checklist

2. Prepare your work programme

Complete and upload the work programme template to list all proposed operations including thinning, felling and restocking.

For each operation tell us:

  • area (ha)
  • species to be felled or thinned
  • indicative year(s)
  • how felled areas will be restocked (species, method, timing)

Your plan must comply with:

Download the work programme template

3. Plantations on Ancient Woodland Sites (PAWS)

If there are any PAWS in or adjoining your forest management unit, you must complete and upload the PAWS assessment form.  

Download the PAWS assessment form

4. Deep peat

If the forest management unit is on or adjoining deep peat, you must complete and upload the deep peat assessment form.

Find out how to identify and manage deep peat

Download the deep peat assessment form

5. Consider applying for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) screening opinion

You may want to apply for an EIA screening opinion if your forest management plan includes one of the following:

  • afforestation
  • deforestation
  • quarrying
  • road works

Check if you need to ask for environmental impact assessment screening

If you have applied for an EIA screening opinion, we'll ask for your reference number. Find this in the confirmation email we sent after you applied.  

6. Produce maps

Prepare and upload the following separate maps to show: 

1. Forest management unit and location

2. Compartments, sub-compartments and coupes

3. Sensitivities

4. Thinning and felling (it must show your coupes)

5. Restocking (it must show your coupes)

All maps must:

  • be OS‑based
  • be clearly labelled
  • include a national grid reference
  • use an appropriate scale 
  • be signed and dated
  • be in a PNG, JPG, PDF or DOC format
  • be consistent with your work programme

If you want to send us Shapefiles as well, we will tell you how to do this once you've submitted your application.

7. Assemble your application pack

When you're ready to apply, gather everything you need to be able to answer all the questions in the online application form:

8. Apply online

You must not start any tree felling work until your forest management plan has been approved.

Apply now

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Getting and maintaining a forest management plan: step by step

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