Woodland creation can provide potential new income streams through grants, the sale of woodland carbon units and in the long term the production of saleable timber.

Woodland also provides excellent space for co-benefits including environmental gain, public health and recreation, benefits to agricultural production systems and landscape enhancement.

Landowners have recognised the value of trees for generations but land use change and agricultural intensification has resulted in very low woodland land cover by area across the UK. There are now a range of drivers underpinning new woodland creation and there are planting models to suit most property types and owner objectives, but the pressure on land use means site finding is increasingly challenging. Carbon sequestration should not be the sole driver for new woodland creation and careful consideration must be given to any proposed sale of carbon units. Any change of use to woodland is long lasting and should be undertaken as part of a balanced land use process, and our multi-disciplinary approach to land management helps us to deliver appropriate advice to clients.

How can savills help

• Feasibility studies and appraisals including cost benefit analysis
• Tree planting project management
• Investment services
• Valuation
• Ongoing woodland and forest management