GovWire

The policy document when to convert woods and forests to open habitat in England (March 2010) explains the background, aims, objectives and outcomes.

Operations note 68 describes the current decision making framework used by the Forestry Commission and Natural England when considering applications to convert woodland to open habitat.

Operations note 68 explains:

• which habitats may be restored
• when compensatory tree planting is required
• where compensatory planting is not normally required (for sites of exceptional biodiversity value)
• how to apply the requirement for compensatory tree planting for different sites
• what supporting information is required for an application to convert woodland