You should use this guidance when the Forestry Commission tells you that ecological surveys (for example peat, habitat or breeding birds) are needed on or adjoining a proposed woodland creation site.
This guidance replaces all other Forestry Commission guidance on natural environment surveys.
Fixed links, added description of a survey method for peat, Edited the pricing schedule in Annex 3, report templates are now available for 2 survey types, and an additional Annex has been created (10) containing the templates.
This document was updated and renamed in October 2023 to reflect our experience from surveys carried out in 2021/2022 and in response to recent research and small changes to Forestry Commission incentives. Information has been clarified in relation to timing and data searches, and minor changes have been made to requirements for survey methods, mapping, reporting and assessment. The guidance has been endorsed by the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM).
'Natural environment survey and assessment instructions' updated.
First published.