Landscape character appraisal examples for woodland creation: a lowland site
Updated 29 August 2024
Applies to England
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The Landscape Character Appraisal enables a woodland design that is well integrated into the landscape and delivers on the scheme’s objectives. It is an approach embracing all the relevant UK Forestry Standard (UKFS) elements including biodiversity, historic environment, people, water, soil and climate change as well a landscape and its character. It will include input from stakeholders and liaison with third parties.
Every site and project is unique, with requirements guided by the proposer’s objectives, grant conditions and specific details from the site. Sites will differ especially if there are sensitivities, such as a protected landscape designation or the heritage value of a site, but there is a common approach.
We are grateful to the Woodland Trust for permission to share the example.
Landscape context plan
The landscape context plan describes and maps the key landscape and visual characteristics of the wider landscape context. It shows the location of the site on an Ordnance Survey backdrop with contours, (suggested scale of 1:10,000 - 1:25,000).
It also identifies important features and characteristics of the wider landscape context. The plan should include text boxes with annotated narrative highlighting landscape and visual sensitivities relevant to woodland creation.
Landscape context plan example. The site area is highlighted. Several text boxes explain visual sensitivities and the wider landscape. Copyright Woodland Trust.
Site appraisal plan
The site appraisal plan clearly evaluates and highlights the site’s landscape and visual characteristics and sensitivities including:
- the existing treescape network
- access
- important viewpoints
- biodiversity
- heritage value
The appraisal should include the immediate vicinity outside the site’s boundaries.
Site appraisal plan example. The site area and boundary are highlighted, as well as watercourses and parkland boundaries. Several text boxes explain visual sensitivities and the wider landscape. Copyright Woodland Trust.
Design concept plan
The design concept plan is informed by the landscape context and site appraisal plan. It shows how the design fits within the landscape, delivers multiple benefits and meets the scheme’s objectives.
Example design concept plan. The site design areas are highlighted. Text boxes show more details of the plans. Copyright Woodland Trust.
Final woodland creation design plan
The final woodland creation design plan should be an integrated woodland design that meets the UK Forestry Standard.
Example final woodland creation design plan. Several areas of the plan are highlighted. Text boxes provide more details about the plan. Copyright Woodland Trust.