West of England Woodland Opportunity Study

This section presents the overall results of the landscape sensitivity assessment.

The overall results of the landscape sensitivity assessment are set out in the drop-down tables below. A spatial representation of the landscape sensitivity of South Gloucestershire to tree and woodland planting can be viewed on the interactive mapping provided at the bottom of this page.

These results should be interpreted alongside the detailed information and guidance provided in the separate assessment profiles.

The LCTs within South Gloucestershire comprise areas of higher and lower landscape sensitivity that vary from the overall scores. It is therefore important to take note of the content of the individual assessment profiles, including any commentary that highlights areas which could be more sensitive to tree and woodland planting.

The detailed profiles for each LCT are provided at the 6. Landscape Profiles page.

Reference should also be made to the 3. Constraints and Woodland Opportunity Mapping prepared as part of this study. This maps constraints to woodland planting across South Gloucestershire, in order to identify land with potential for woodland planting at a strategic scale. These results were then overlaid with the outputs of this Landscape Sensitivity Assessment. The overall results are shown on the interactive mapping on the 5. Combined Results page.

Click on the headings below to view the landscape sensitivity scores for each LCT.

Note: these scores are for the landscape sensitivity assessment (LSA) component of this study. The overall results (including the outputs from the opportunity mapping) can be viewed on the interactive map on the 5. Combined Results page.

LCAs noted as ‘N/A’ – LCA 14: Kingswood and LCA 15: Patchway, Filton and the Stokes, have been excluded from this assessment due to the high density of urban development within them and their consequent unsuitability for woodland planting at scale. However, smaller scale planting within these urban areas is encouraged and can still make a contribution to the Council’s tree planting targets. LCA 21: Estuary, Shoreline and Levels is excluded from the assessment as the landcover is predominantly water, mudflats, and intertidal sands, and as such is unsuitable for tree planting.

Toggle on and off the landscape sensitivity layers on the map below to view the assessed landscape sensitivity to the different woodland scales.

For help on how to use this map click here.