Refreshed online Forest Management Plan process launched to support longer-term woodland management
FMPs support sustainable woodland management by providing longer-term felling permissions, helping woodland owners and managers take a more strategic approach to planning operations and managing their woodlands for the future.
Developed in response to feedback from applicants and stakeholders, the refreshed process replaces a complex paper-based system with a guided online application designed to be clearer, more accessible and easier to complete.
The new application includes integrated step-by-step guidance, supporting applicants from initial preparation and submission through to the management of an approved FMP.
New applications will now be submitted through the refreshed process. Existing approved FMPs and applications already in progress will continue unchanged.
The refreshed approach continues to provide flexibility through the use of operational tolerances within approved FMPs, helping woodland owners and managers respond to changing circumstances while remaining within the agreed framework of their plan.
Melanie Meaden, Lead Specialist Advisor – Forestry for Natural Resources Wales, said:
"We've worked closely with woodland owners, forestry professionals and other stakeholders to develop an FMP process that is simpler, clearer and easier to use.
"Good woodland management plays an important role in helping Wales respond to the climate and nature emergencies by supporting biodiversity, improving woodland resilience and ensuring woodlands continue to provide environmental, economic and social benefits for people and communities.
"The refreshed process focuses on the information needed for regulatory approval, helping to reduce unnecessary administrative burdens while maintaining the standards required for sustainable woodland management.
"We hope these improvements will encourage greater use of FMPs and make long-term woodland management planning more accessible for woodland owners and managers across Wales.
"We also hope the sector welcomes these changes. They have been designed to make the process more straightforward while giving landowners and managers the confidence to plan for the long term."
The new process aligns with the UK Forestry Standard (2023) and relevant legislation, including the Agriculture (Wales) Act 2024.
The refreshed FMP process will also support future woodland management funding opportunities, with funding for Forest Management Plan applications expected to be available through the Welsh Government's Woodland Management Scheme from 2027.
Further information and guidance on the new application process is available here: Natural Resources Wales / Getting and maintaining a forest management plan: step by step
Picture by John Briggs