Our work began with an in-depth review of the forest’s composition, designated sites, wildlife interests and existing management practices, alongside detailed spatial analysis and field surveys. Together with Forestry England, we identified both the key risks facing the forest and the opportunities for positive, long-term change.
The plan promotes two fundamental shifts in approach. The first is a move away from traditional clearfell and restock cycles towards Low Impact Silvicultural Systems (LISS), helping to create structurally and ecologically diverse woodland better able to respond to environmental change. The second is a stronger focus on improving habitat condition, connectivity and diversity, while carefully balancing timber production, recreation and the protection of designated sites such as SSSIs and SPAs.
Given Thetford’s dry climate and poor soils, the plan required careful spatial prioritisation, species selection and adaptive management. Our multidisciplinary team combined landscape architecture, ecology and GIS expertise to develop evidence-led strategies and clear visual outputs that support decision-making at every scale.
To ensure the plan is accessible and practical, it is presented as an interactive ArcGIS StoryMap. This format allows stakeholders to explore spatial priorities, phased actions and monitoring approaches, and to understand complex choices through a clear and engaging narrative. Implementation will be guided by a 10-year transitional plan, embedding resilience into day-to-day management and supporting Thetford Forest to deliver lasting benefits for people, timber and nature.
