Dartmoor National Park Authority

Woodland Management and Advice

The Dartmoor National Park Authority manages 540ha (1300 acres) of mainly broadleaved woodland either through ownership or long term formal management agreements, where the primary objectives relate to enhancing biodiversity. This is largely achieved through removal of non native species such as rhododendron or thinning to favour the native species such as oak, ash, hazel where species not considered locally indigenous, including sycamore and beech, threaten the important communities associated to the western oak woods that are typical of Dartmoor.

All woodlands owned and managed under agreement are accredited under the Forestry Stewardship Council proving sustainable management, enabling all products to carry the FSC wood mark. www.fsc-uk.info.(external link, opens new window).

Ancient woodlands are one of the most important and richest habitats, yet they only cover 3% of the National Park and are usually associated with the steep sides of major river valleys. In the past many  (780ha) have been cleared and planted with faster fibre producing coniferous trees with a resultant loss of habitat. Restoring native species within plantations standing on ancient woodland sites (PAWS) is another important area of work. Ancient woodland indicator plants, stifled by the heavy shade cast by exotic species can once again be given a chance to thrive beneath a canopy of native trees and shrubs following full restoration.

A new project, RAW, Regenerating Ancient Woodlands has been launched to focus on bringing all ancient woodlands into managment , encouraging PAWS restoration and aiming to establish significant areas of new native woodland that adjoins or links existing areas of ancient woodland. Restoring Ancient Woodlands

The Dartmoor National Park Authority also operates a broadleaved woodland advisory service. We will be very pleased to assess any woodland and make relevant recommendations and in some instances will help draw up plans for grant aid and felling licence applications.

Felling Licences

A felling licence is normally required to fell trees. It is an offence to fell trees without a licence.  The Forestry Commission administer the Forestry Act 1997 and are authorised to issue felling licences.  Information about felling licences, exemptions and making an application can be obtained from www.forestry.gov.uk.

For further information please contact the Authority's Trees and Woodlands Section or see the Contact Us page.