The Forestry Commission has developed a series of sensitivity maps, based on nationally available and consistent datasets to indicate where there are likely to be fewer sensitivities to woodland creation. These will help to indicate to landowners whether there is likely to be potential to establish new woodland on their land and where there may be sensitivities that would preclude planting or influence woodland design. Where there are no obvious sensitivities, regulatory and incentive processing is likely to be faster if complete applications are submitted. The maps do not indicate that, where there is a low sensitivity to new woodland, planting will be agreed as appropriate by the Forestry Commission, responding to the views of Natural England, Environment Agency, Historic England, the Local Authority and other stakeholders; likewise, planting/establishment of new woodland may be appropriate, particularly of native woodland, outside ‘low sensitivity’ areas. Attribution statement: © Forestry Commission copyright and/or database right 2025. All rights reserved.
