UA9: Woodland Maintenance
What is UA9?
UA9 requires maintaining existing woodlands to optimise benefits for livestock, wildlife, and business diversification. This Universal Action ensures that valuable woodland resources on farms are properly managed to deliver multiple benefits including shelter, timber production, biodiversity, carbon storage, and potential business opportunities.
What do I need to do?
Maintain existing woodland areas in good condition
Manage woodland to provide multiple benefits including livestock shelter, wildlife habitat, and potential timber production
Prevent deterioration or damage to woodland areas
Undertake appropriate woodland management activities based on woodland type and objectives
Consider opportunities for business diversification through woodland resources
Complete woodland maintenance activities throughout the year as seasonally appropriate
Who needs to complete UA9?
All farm businesses with existing woodland must complete this Universal Action.
UA9 is not applicable if you have no existing woodland on your farm.
What evidence do I need?
Woodland management records kept for 5 years
Evidence of appropriate management activities undertaken
Documentation of woodland condition and improvements
Records of any timber or woodland products harvested
Professional advice records where obtained
Declaration of completion on RPW Online
How much does UA9 pay?
Payment for UA9 is included in the Universal Payment. Additional support for enhanced woodland management and new woodland creation is available through Optional Actions.
Types of woodland management
Commercial woodland:
Selective harvesting and timber extraction
Thinning operations to improve woodland health
Replanting and regeneration management
Access route maintenance and improvement
Conservation woodland:
Habitat management for wildlife benefit
Deadwood retention for invertebrate habitat
Diverse age structure maintenance
Native species promotion and invasive species control
Shelter woodland:
Strategic management to maintain livestock shelter value
Edge management for wind protection
Integration with grazing systems and paddock layouts
Protection from livestock damage
Management activities
Regular maintenance:
Removal of dead, diseased, or dangerous trees
Control of invasive species and unwanted vegetation
Maintenance of woodland boundaries and fencing
Protection of young trees and natural regeneration
Selective management:
Thinning to promote healthy tree growth
Selective harvesting for timber or fuel wood
Coppicing and traditional management where appropriate
Creation of glades and clearings for biodiversity
Access and infrastructure:
Maintenance of woodland paths and access routes
Gate and fence maintenance for livestock exclusion
Extraction route planning for timber operations
Safety assessments and hazard tree management
How can I prepare?
Survey existing woodland areas and assess their condition
Identify woodland types and management opportunities
Consider obtaining professional forestry advice
Plan woodland management activities and timing
Assess equipment needs or contractor requirements
Benefits of UA9
For your farm:
Valuable livestock shelter improving animal welfare and performance
Potential timber and fuel wood production providing additional income
Enhanced farm landscape value and visual appeal
Carbon storage contributing to climate change mitigation
Diversification opportunities through woodland enterprises
For the environment:
Important wildlife habitat for woodland species
Enhanced biodiversity through diverse woodland structure
Carbon sequestration and long-term storage
Water management and flood risk reduction
Landscape character preservation and enhancement
Professional support
When to seek advice:
Complex woodland management decisions
Timber harvesting and marketing opportunities
Woodland health problems or disease issues
Integration with conservation objectives
Business diversification planning
Available support:
Forestry consultants and professional advisers
Farming Connect forestry guidance
Woodland management grants and schemes
Marketing support for woodland products
Integration with farming
Shelter benefits:
Strategic woodland positioning for livestock protection
Integration with grazing systems and field layouts
Seasonal shelter for different livestock classes
Protection for farm buildings and infrastructure
Grazing management:
Woodland edge grazing for habitat diversity
Silvopasture systems integrating trees and livestock
Seasonal grazing exclusion for tree establishment
Buffer zones protecting watercourses and woodland
Diversification opportunities
Woodland products:
Timber sales from thinning and harvesting operations
Fuel wood and biomass production
Non-timber forest products (eg Christmas trees, crafts)
Value-added processing and direct sales
Recreation and tourism:
Woodland walks and nature trails
Educational visits and woodland experiences
Accommodation and camping enterprises
Wildlife watching and photography opportunities
Support available
Farming Connect:
Woodland management advice and training
Business diversification support
Technical guidance on woodland operations
Links to forestry professionals and contractors
Optional Actions:
Enhanced woodland management payments
Support for woodland improvement projects
Grants for new woodland creation
Infrastructure and equipment funding
Seasonal considerations
Optimal timing:
Tree felling generally October to March
Avoid bird nesting season for major operations
Consider ground conditions for machinery access
Plan harvesting around farming operations
Wildlife considerations:
Retain mature trees and deadwood for habitat
Maintain diverse woodland structure
Create and maintain woodland edge habitats
Protect sensitive areas during operations
Quality indicators
Well-maintained woodland should show:
Healthy tree growth and appropriate spacing
Diverse age structure and species composition
Effective integration with farm management systems
Evidence of wildlife use and biodiversity
Good condition boundaries and access routes
Clear management objectives being achieved
This approach ensures Wales' farm woodlands continue to provide multiple benefits while supporting both productive farming and environmental objectives through appropriate management and stewardship.
This information is provided by Farmwalk based on published government guidance. Always check the latest guidance on GOV.UK.