Woodland & Forestry

It is anticipated that over this Management Plan period, and beyond, the AONB will see a significant increase in the amount of tree and woodland planting. This is already taking place, instigated by Cornwall Council’s Climate Emergency Action Plan, the Forest for Cornwall Programme and other grant schemes. Cornwall AONB welcomes the expansion of existing, and the creation of new, woodland where they contribute to the special qualities of the AONB local sections and where they are designed to ensure additional tree and woodland cover conserves and enhances the local landscape character. All planting should follow the Right Tree in the Right Place principle.

Cornwall AONB will contribute to relevant tree and woodland strategies and tree planting initiatives on a case-by-case basis.

It is expected that all tree planting initiatives will be compliant with the UK Forest Standard requirements and guidelines, and complete Forestry Environmental Impact Assessments where required.

Land use change and planning pressures are decreasing the size and quality of our trees and woodland. With an emerging force accelerated through climate change, the remaining woodland stock is under increasing pressure from pests and diseases that threaten our native woodland species, such as ash dieback, bleeding canker (impacting on horse chestnut), oak processionary moth and phytophthora pathogens affecting species including oak, alder and beech. These pests and diseases are expected to increase as the climate warms; therefore, action must be taken to ensure our woodlands are more resilient, diverse and the biosecurity of any planted stock is carefully considered.