Before you begin planning, you should ask the following questions:

Should trees be planted at all?

  • Who owns the site? Will the owner give permission for planting?
  • What is the site used for? Will planting affect this use?
  • Will trees block views or deprive any nearby houses of sunlight?
  • Is the site already an interesting wildlife habitat? Old grassland, heathland, bogs or damp ground may be more valuable as they are. Scrub is an important habitat, and is not necessarily improved by being converted to woodland.
  • Are trees already growing on the site? If young trees are colonising the site, or existing sparse woodland cover is regenerating, it shouldn’t be necessary to plant trees. Trees should not be planted in ancient or semi-natural woodlands.
  • Tree roots can damage archaeological remains, as well as obscure surface evidence.
  • Will the trees you plant have a secure future? Trees must not be planted if aftercare cannot be guaranteed for at least the next five years. On sites where ownership or land use may change, tree planting may not be a worthwhile investment.
  • There may be a good reason for the site being treeless. The soil may be too thin or polluted; the site may be too exposed, waterlogged or overgrazed.

How the site affects the choice of species

  • Where the aim is to try and recreate semi-natural woodland cover, species local to the area should be chosen. Not only should the species be local, but the planting stock should be of local provenance, meaning it is derived from trees which have long grown in the area. Knowledge and observation of existing local woods will assist in choosing species and designing the type of woodland appropriate to the area.
  • Check the soil conditions. Soils naturally vary, sometimes in quite a small area, and disturbance of the soil by building development, industry, agriculture and other factors may have affected it. Species must match the local site conditions (Table 2d).
  • Is the site very exposed to the wind? is it near the coast, where salt winds will affect growth
  • Consider the eventual height of trees in relation to the available space. Native forest species may be too big to grow near buildings, and other species should be chosen. The vigour of the root system and its effect on buildings and underground services must also be considered.
  • Is it appropriate to use non-native trees? in streets, gardens and parks where landscape value may have priority, non-native species will greatly add to the range of trees which can be planted, and may have characteristics which make them more suitable than native trees. Many have flowers, bark, autumn colour and other features which are a great attraction, and fruit trees are always valued. In urban situations, introduced trees may be better than no trees.
  • In creating woodland on exposed sites or polluted soils, non-native species may be needed to establish shelter or woodland cover, to which the native species are added.

Planting area

This section gives a guide to the type of planting which is generally appropriate for small to medium sites.

Non-woodland planting

These include small groups of trees, narrow shelterbelts, avenues, orchards and individual trees.

Less than .25 hectare

These include small areas of planting and clumps of trees for screening, shelter and landscape value. Such areas have a limited potential to develop the full range of woodland structure, but can still be valuable for wildlife, play and education. School wildlife gardens can incorporate a range of woodland and other habitats which have high educational value. Small areas of planting may qualify for grants from the local authority or other sources, but do not qualify for the Woodland Grant Scheme, for which the minimum area is usually .25 hectare.

Up to 1 hectare

Woods of up to 1 hectare can be a valuable landscape feature on a local scale. They can become an interesting wildlife habitat, and if near housing are valuable for children’s play. A hectare of woodland can have paths under the canopy, but in the mature woodland, there will not be sufficient space for open glades or wide paths with grassy edges. Although a mixture of understorey shrubs and trees can be included, it may be best to limit the tallest trees to two or three species, in order to produce a woodland of a particular character (see below).

Up to 3 hectares

Woods of this size can be divided into different types, differentiated by the species mix or type of woodland structure, including areas of coppice. Glades and open areas can be incorporated within the wood, linked by paths. a woodland area of 3 hectares can be a significant feature for local residents, providing space for recreation, dog-walking and other uses.

Over 3 hectares

These are major projects, usually involving several agencies. Work may include tree planting, management of existing woodland, habitat improvement, provision of car parks and other facilities. Production of commercial timber may be included as part of the woodland management scheme.

Chapters