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Swell Buildings Farm’s Woodland Management Plan
Currently, 41% of private woodlands in the Western Forest are unmanaged. We aim to bring 1500 hectares of woodland into active management by 2030, and the first step is funding the preparation of Woodland Management Plans (WMPs) in the area.
One example is Swell Buildings Farm, a 25-hectare woodland near Stow-on-the-Wold in Gloucestershire. The woodland is a diverse mix of broadleaved and conifer species including ash (Fraxinus excelsior), beech (Fagus sylvatica), sycamore (Acer psuedoplatanus), larch (Larix spp.) and Norway spruce (Picea abies)
“One of the biggest challenges for woodland owners is knowing where to begin. A Woodland Management Plan takes that uncertainty away, providing a practical vision that helps landowners and farmers work with professional foresters to make confident decisions and realise the full potential of their woodland for biodiversity, resilience and long-term environmental benefits.”
Like many UK woodlands, the site has seen limited active management over recent decades. As a result, several challenges have emerged. Ash dieback is now present throughout the woodland, invasive species such as cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) and snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus) have become established in some areas, and much of the woodland has developed into an even-aged structure with limited natural regeneration.
The plan maps out practical interventions to improve woodland condition. Selective thinning will increase light levels on the woodland floor, encouraging natural regeneration and creating a more varied structure. Areas heavily affected by ash dieback will be managed through small-scale felling and restocking with a diverse mix of native species including oak (Quercus spp.), beech, lime (Tilia spp.), hazel (Corylus avellana) and whitebeam (Sorbus aria).
Improving habitat for wildlife is a key objective. Woodland rides will be widened to create edge habitats for birds and pollinators and veteran trees and deadwood will be retained to support woodland species.
The WMP also outlines advice to protect important heritage features, including several scheduled monuments, ensuring future management is carried out sensitively and sustainably.
For the owners of Swell Buildings Farm, the plan provides a practical framework for decision making and opens the door to future grant opportunities. It also gives them confidence that management decisions are based on a clear understanding of the woodland’s opportunities and challenges.
This project highlights how The Western Forest is helping landowners unlock the potential of their woodlands. By funding WMPs, the Western Forest is supporting healthier woodlands with greater biodiversity and long-term environmental benefits across the region.
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