Isle of Man Plantation Management Plans 2025 to 2045
North District Management Plan
The North District Management Plan (North Plan) cover large areas of publicly managed plantations across the Island. The plan sets out a careful, longterm approach to looking after these plantations, so they remain safe, healthy, and productive for the future. Work will be gradual and well planned, with areas selected for thinning or felling where trees are affected by disease, wind damage, or age. Alongside this, increased species diversity and open habitats will be encouraged to develop, creating areas that are better able to store carbon over the long term, support wildlife, strengthen plantation resilience, and provide a sustainable supply of locally grown timber, while maintaining the character and enjoyment of the landscape.
North Analysis and Concept Maps
Analysis Maps show existing information about the site, such as habitats, access, landscape features, and environmental or cultural constraints. They help build an understanding of what is already there and identify opportunities and sensitivities. These maps do not propose change.
Concept Maps illustrate emerging ideas for the future management of the site, based on the analysis. They show broad principles and possible options, not detailed or final plans. Feedback on these maps helps shape the next stage of the management plan.
Management Zone - Current, Harvesting, Future (CHF) Maps
These maps show how a plantation zone area is currently made up, and how they planned to be managed, changed, and restored over the next 10 years. They show:
- What types of trees are growing where now
- Which areas are planned to be felled, thinned, or left alone
- Where nature protection and habitat restoration are priorities
- How the woodland will gradually change over the next 10 years
In short, the plans and maps illustrate a move away from purely commercial plantation forestry towards a more natural, wildlife‑focused landscape, without abandoning timber production, and while continuing to promote tree health, resilience and safe public recreation and access.