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Woodland management

Sustainable shooting, conducted in line with best practice, provides huge benefits to people, the economy and our environment.

Estimates of the conservation benefits that come from shooting roll into millions-of-pounds in equivalent spent each year. The management of habitats like moorland, woodland and wetlands, and bespoke habitat creation areas such as cover crops, provide habitat for quarry and wider wildlife. So too, managing deer, pests and predators reduces environmental damage, protects threatened species and reduces losses in farming and timber production.

Being a member of BASC means you align with enhancing and promoting the benefits we bring for the environment. On this page, we will provide you with resources and links to advice and guidance to do just that.

What benefits does managing woodland bring for shooting and conservation?

More resources

Creating open spaces in woodland

Creating open spaces within woodland is a simple starting point for overall woodland health.

Reducing herbivore damage

Managing woodland herbivores effectively can reduce damage levels, enhancing tree health.

Encouraging natural regeneration

Allowing natural regeneration of trees can be cost-effective way of expanding woodlands.

The importance of deadwood

The rotting wood from dead and dying trees, known as deadwood, plays a vital role in woodland health.

Release pen best practice

Read information on building pheasant release pens which comply with the Code of Good Shooting Practice.

Woodland creation offer

The England Woodland Creation Offer supports farmers and landowners in creating a range of woodland types and sizes.

Codes of practice

Our codes are designed to help you to understand the law for different types of shooting, and to provide guidance on best practice.

Advice hub

Find out everything you need to know and get your questions answered in our advice hub.

Woodcock

The enigmatic woodcock is reliant on good habitat, which is largely deciduous or mixed woodland containing clearings, glades or rides. They are generally nocturnal, spending this time foraging for creatures such as worms, beetles, spiders, caterpillars and small snails.

UK Game shoots manage 500,000 hectares of woodland and 100,000 hectares of copses. Within these areas, there are a number of things that landowners, shoot managers and gamekeepers can do to enhance their woodland to help create good habitat for woodcock.