Wigan Forests Plan Consultation

Overview

The Wigan Forest Plan sets out the long term management objectives for Viridor, Byrom Wood, Windy Bank, Colliers Wood and Barlows Farm, collectively known as the Wigan Forest Plan and covers 328ha of woodland that lies 7km south of Wigan and 21km west of Manchester. 

A forest plan defines the long term vision for a woodland or a collection of woodlands and once approved gives permission for all felling and restock operations in the first 10 years and outlined approval for all the medium term operations (10-50 years).

Why your views matter

A lot of care and expertise goes into producing these plans and we are interested in the views of local people and users of the forest, and to know about any data sets collected in these woodlands which may affect our future management.

It is a requirement that all Forestry England woodlands are managed to the high standards needed to meet the UK Woodland Assurance Standard that in turn ensures sustainable forest management certification of the Public Forest Estate is maintained.

The forest plan is available to download as a PDF below or alternatively viewable online within the Survey. 

The online consultation will run until 14th October 2023.  Any comments should be submitted through the online survey form before the closing date. Feedback received after the closing date cannot be considered.

What happens next

This online Stakeholder Consultation closes on the 14th October 2023. We will then examine the feedback and where appropriate, incorporate suggestions into the forest plan.

The forest plan will be submitted to the Forestry Commission and placed on the public register to run concurrently with the public consultation. Subject to feedback, approval for the Wigan Forests Plan will be obtained from Forest Commission who is the regulatory authority for all forestry operation in the UK.

The approved plan will then be made available on the Forestry England's website at www.forestryengland.uk/forest-planning