Is planning permission needed to create woodland?

Kess

We're thinking of buying a house that has about an acre of land. At the moment it's just a big lawn.

We aren't gardeners so are tempted to plant trees on a fair proportion of the land to effectively create a small woodland area with a view to attracting wildlife. We're surrounded by fields so there are no neighbours to upset.

Does anyone know if planning permission is needed for something like that?

Davesnave

If this is garden land then you do not need planning permission. Indeed you wouldn't need it if the land were agricultural, since trees are a crop. i.e. forestry.

If you are planting woodland, you should still do some grass cutting until the trees are well-established, but not as much as you'd do with a lawn. Later, the shade cast by the trees will regulate growth beneath them, though plants like cow parsley, which can complete their growth cycle before trees are in full leaf, will invade.

As you are not gardeners, I'd add that a good variety of native trees is the way to go for maximum wildlife value, especially those that flower well and produce berries.

There's plenty of advice out there on the Internet regarding the basics of planting woodland and now is good time to start. Plenty of good on-line sources of bare root trees too.

Ken68

Also Kess, you may get trees free or for a small charge from your local Wildlife/Woodland Trust.

Stooby2

Check there's no drains running under it first. Tree roots just love drains.

chrisw

Have you thought about fruit trees? Can't beat fruit picked fresh from the tree.

andrewf75

Great idea and there are certainly no planning issues. Would second the suggestion make sure its native trees.

Davesnave

chrisw wrote: »

Have you thought about fruit trees? Can't beat fruit picked fresh from the tree.

OPs said they weren't gardeners, so might not want to maintain fruit trees, but there are some, like damsons and varieties of apple that will still do OK with minimal attention, so it's a good idea.

I have inherited more apples than I can ever use, give away or sell, but even the rather soggy remains end up as food for redwings.

paddyrg

Just want to say it'll make a lovely garden :-) You may find local groups wanting to encourage tree planting who can give advice and help you get good healthy stock. +1 for mixed 'native' varieties :-)