The Government has set a target of establishing 30,000 ha of new woodland in England by 2025, as outlined in the 2020 budget statement. This relates to the Government’s commitment to the Committee on Climate Change’s net zero projections, which advocate the need for 30,000 ha of new trees being established in the UK every year to 2050. This would take woodland cover in the UK from 13% to 17%.

LUC has long been at the forefront of developing and applying the technique of Landscape Character Assessment (LCA). Our recent research for Dover District looks at how LCA can provide a spatial framework for delivering climate change adaption and mitigation.

Landscape Character Assessment for Dover

Dover District, outside the AONB, currently has only 0.8% woodland cover in total. This is very low in comparison to the national average for England of 10% woodland cover. We considered landscape capacity for increasing woodland cover as part of the preparation of the Dover District LCA.

We developed a landscape-led strategy for woodland creation in the District using a combination of desk work analysis and field assessment. This included setting targets for each character area and summary guidance on location, design, species, and connectivity plus opportunities for other types of tree cover such as hedgerows and parkland trees.

We illustrated the results in both table and map form to help them to be easily understood. Our report showed areas with the greatest capacity for woodland planting to illustrate how Dover District can contribute to the Government's target for establishing new woodland, either by planting or encouraging natural regeneration.

Tthe Council will use our research in planning for change and setting Green Infrastructure objectives for developers. Woodland creation at a strategic scale will help meet targets for mitigating climate change.

The method is being applied to other areas, including a recent commission to produce a landscape sensitivity assessment for new woodland/tree planting in Bath & North East Somerset.

Learn more about Landscape Planning & Assessment at LUC.