Decide how to manage woodland on deep peat
Use this guide to help you:
- know if your woodland is on deep peat (peat soil that is 50cm or more in depth)
- decide how to manage deep peat
You need to do this when applying for a felling licence or forest management plan.
1. Find out if deep peat is present
If you are not sure whether there is deep peat:
- check the Peatlands of Wales map
- review aerial imagery
look for:
- poor tree growth
- wet vegetation (rushes, mosses)
- open or poorly established areas
If peat is likely, carry out a scoping survey:
- walk the site
- take sample measurements
- check for peat depth
If deep peat is confirmed or likely, you must survey your site.
2. Survey your site
Collect site-specific evidence including:
- peat depth measurements
- soil type
- vegetation
- site maps with sample locations
Measure peat depth
You can measure peat by:
- inserting a probe into the ground
- recording the depth where resistance increases
Take multiple measurements across the site.
If deep peat is present or the site is connected to deep peat, you must assess your site.
3. Assess your site
Calculate a peat score
This is based on:
- soil type
- peat depth
- area of peat
- slope
Higher scores mean:
- greater peat value
- higher benefit from restoration
Calculate yield class
Yield class shows how productive your trees are.
You may need a forestry professional to help with this.
Compare peat score and yield class
Use both scores together to decide what to do.
4. Choose a management option
You should choose one or more of these options.
Option 1: Restock trees
Choose this if:
- tree productivity is high (YC10 or above)
- peat value is low
Option 2: Create successional woodland
Choose this if:
- peat is too wet for productive forestry
- but not suitable for full restoration
This creates a mix of:
- woodland
- open habitat
- wet areas
Option 3: Restore peatland
Choose this if:
- peat value is high
- tree productivity is low (YC8 or below)
- the site is important for biodiversity or hydrology
This often involves:
- removing trees
- raising the water table
- restoring peat-forming conditions
Before you choose
Your site may include different areas.
You can apply different options to different parts of your site.
You should consider:
- carbon storage
- biodiversity
- water regulation
- long-term sustainability
Decisions should balance:
- forestry productivity
- environmental benefits
If you plan to restore peatland
You must show that:
- restoration is achievable
- the site can be maintained long term
5. Include your assessment in your application
In your application for a felling licence or forest management plan, you must include:
- evidence of whether peat is present
and if applicable:
- survey results
- your peat score and yield class
- your chosen management approach
6. Get help
You may need professional support if:
- you are unsure how to survey peat
- you do not know your yield class
- your site is complex
Contact NRW if you need further guidance.