Woodlands are a very important part of the Dorset landscape – not just visually but for the wildlife they support, carbon they store, air they filter and water they slow down … and lots more besides. To ensure we get the most out of our woodlands, it is important to look after them. Lots of wildlife and ecosystem services are dependent on well-managed woodland, but only the larger and easier to access woodlands are economically viable so many face uncertain futures. Community involvement is one way to ensure that these woodlands are managed to benefit both wildlife and people, now and in the future.

We are keen to encourage local people to volunteer in local woodlands, because it’s good for you and good for the woodlands. We are also keen to encourage woodland owners to manage their woodlands for wildlife and for people, through advice and support.

Here you can find some links to useful information to help you better manage your woodlands:

• Running a Social Action Woodland Group on Vimeo
• http://llaisygoedwig.org.uk/resources/set-up-manage-your-community-woodland/
• Living with Trees Handbook – Common Ground
• Home (makinglocalwoodswork.org)
• http://www.forestry.gov.uk/
• http://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/
• http://smallwoods.org.uk/
• http://www.fwagsw.org.uk/
• http://www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/
• http://www.dorsetforestschool.org/
• http://dorsetcoppicegroup.co.uk/