Wet woodlands are an increasingly rare habitat characterised by seasonally wet soils, often found as part of a wider woodland habitat or within riparian zones.

As the name suggests, these habitats are dominated by trees, creating shaded, humid woodland floors dominated by mosses and ferns.

Although these habitats are in decline, you can find them scattered across the UK from the peat bog wet woodlands of the Scottish Highlands to the alder-carr woodlands in the Norfolk Broads.

Unlike many commercial woodland types, wet woodlands are generally managed for biodiversity, water regulation and ecosystem services rather than timber production.

The dense canopy of wet woodlands supports a range of flora and fauna by maintaining cool, humid conditions and helping to regulate water levels.

Species you may expect to find in wet woodlands

Trees and plants

• Alder
• Birch (downy)
• Willow (bay, white, crack and grey)
• Marsh marigold
• Water avens
• Hard fern

Amphibians

• Common toad
• Common frog

Invertebrates

• Caddisfly larvae
• Stonefly larvae
• Black-spotted longhorn beetle

Birds

• Willow warbler
• Lesser spotted woodpecker
• Marsh tit

Invasive species

Look out for invasive species and remove or control them before they spread:

• Rhododendron
• Japanese knotweed
• Himalayan balsam
• Variegated yellow archangel
• Floating pennywort
• Signal crayfish

Learn more about invasive and non-native plant species legislation in England and Wales, including a list of species and advice for their management and removal.

The likelihood of introducing invasive or non-native species can be reduced by avoiding the movement of contaminated soils, using locally sourced materials where possible, and following good biosecurity practices, such as:

• Staying on designated footpaths where possible
• Cleaning boots, wheels and tyres before entering the habitat to reduce the risk of introducing pathogens, invasive species and seeds. Clean them again before leaving and allow them to dry thoroughly before visiting another site
• Checking your dog's paws and fur for seeds and insects

Learn more about biosecurity on GOV.UK.

Keep reading to learn more about how to identify and manage common tree pests and diseases.

Importance of wet woodlands in natural flood management

Wet woodland habitats are valuable for their ability to reduce flood risk and enhance ecosystem health. They offer a vital habitat for a wealth of wildlife ranging from mosses and lichens to birds and mammals.

Restoring wet woodlands in riparian zones improves their function as nutrient‑filtering buffer strips. The roughness of the terrain, coupled with diverse soil structures, slows surface water runoff, trapping sediments and pollutants before they reach the watercourse. Tree roots increase infiltration and help stabilise riverbanks, reducing erosion and excessive sediment transport downstream.

Even dead and decaying wood is an important component of these ecosystems. Fallen trees in wet woodlands create natural leaky dams which temporarily hold back flows during heavy rainfall, reducing flood risk to downstream communities.

By maintaining and restoring these rare habitats, we will create landscapes that are more resilient to both droughts and high rainfall events delivering multiple benefits for both communities and wildlife.

Please note that the following recommendations are intended as general guidance for wet woodlands. Specific wet woodland types may require different management approaches.

The project accepts no responsibility for any loss or damage arising from the implementation of these recommendations.

• Wet woodlands generally require minimal management. Many characteristic tree species regenerate naturally, and retaining dead wood in situ is encouraged as it increases habitat diversity and provides nesting opportunities for hole-nesting birds and roosting sites for bats
• Encourage natural regeneration where possible before considering supplementary planting and avoid excessive grazing during periods of woodland regeneration
• Maintain the natural hydrology of the site where possible. In some cases, this may involve managing drainage features or installing natural flood management measures, such as leaky dams, to support wet woodland function
• Retain natural clearings within the woodland to create varied edge habitats
• It is important to minimise disturbance wherever possible. Many wet woodlands contain low-lying mosses and small shrubs that can be easily damaged by trampling or machinery
• Maintain diversity in the age and species of trees present

Forestry Research has created a Wet Woodland Management guide which contains more detailed operational guidelines and monitoring techniques.

Monitoring your woodland

• Regularly walk through your woodland to become familiar with the plant and tree species present and to identify any changes over time
• Plant identification apps are a useful tool for beginners when identifying plant species
• Regularly inspect trees for signs of poor health, damage or disease. Common indicators include unusual leaf loss, discolouration, fungal growth, dead branches or lesions on the bark. Any suspected pest or disease issues can be reported via TreeAlert. Trees should be monitored throughout the year, although symptoms are often easier to identify during summer when foliage is fully developed
• If you have installed tree guards, check them after storms or periods of heavy rainfall and replace where necessary.

Preparing for climate change and extreme weather

• Be prepared for unpredictable weather events such as droughts. Forestry Research has guidance on managing woodland in a changing climate in their Climate Change Hub.

Tree health, pests and diseases

Trees face the threat of damage or death from a wide range of pests and diseases, many of which arise from non‑native species being introduced into UK ecosystems where they lack natural predators, environmental checks, or suitable host plants to restrict their impact.

Help prevent the spread of harmful organisms by ensuring good biosecurity practices are followed. This should be done all year round, but it is particularly vital during wet periods as diseases can be spread much more easily.

More information on tree pests, diseases and their management can be found on GOV.UK and Woodland Trust.

Grey squirrels and deer

Grey squirrels and deer damage trees of all ages by browsing, bark stripping, and fraying for both behavioural and feeding purposes. This can create lesions and areas of bark loss, which can disrupt tree growth and make them more susceptible to disease.

Look out for:

• Teeth marks, fraying and bark stripping
• The height of the damage (deer damage is generally lower down the trunk)
• Droppings and deer tracks

Methods to manage grey squirrels:

• Trapping and shooting - providing UK Gun Laws are followed, this practice is currently legal in the UK and is an effective method of population control
• Natural deterrents, for example smells or tastes they dislike such as capsaicin (found in chilli powder) or fox urine

More information is available from Forest Research.

Methods to manage deer:

• Fencing
• Tree guards
• Deer repellent sprayed onto trees
• Shooting - you may require a licence and must adhere to UK laws and open seasons relating to different deer species

Tree Preservation Order (TPO)

Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) protect trees from being cut down, lopped, uprooted, damaged, or destroyed without written consent from the local authority.

TPOs can apply to individual trees, groups of trees, areas containing trees, and woodlands.

There are around 500 TPOs across Herefordshire. To find out more and check whether your land contains protected trees view the administrative map.

Felling licences

Felling licences aren't always required to carry out tree works, but it is important to be aware of when they are needed. See the GOV.UK website for more details on tree felling licences.

Additional permissions or consents may be required depending on the location of the woodland and the nature of the proposed works.

Ordinary Watercourse Consents (OWC)

To make changes to an ordinary watercourse, such as a river, stream, ditch or drain, you may need an Ordinary Watercourse Consent. Consent is often required for works that could affect the flow of water, including the installation of new pipes, culverts, leaky dams or other in-channel structures. Consent must be obtained before work begins. For more information, visit the make changes to a watercourse page.

How will you know when you have a healthy wet woodland habitat?

Below are some indicators to look out for when managing your wet woodland. It is important to be aware of your wet woodland biodiversity and health, as this can alter your management practices.

A healthy wet woodland will have:

• Plenty of decaying woody debris
• Few or no invasive non-native species
• A variety of birdsong
• An earthy, woodland aroma
• Seasonally wet or waterlogged soils
• A mixture of veteran, mature and young trees
• A diverse range of wildlife, including a variety of ground flora, shrubs and tree species

Healthy wet woodlands also support a range of mosses, fungi, and mushrooms, such as the Common Inkcap.

You may also encounter mammals such as otter, wood mouse or shrews, and where suitable watercourses are present, water vole.

Get funding to manage your wet woodland

• Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI)
• Countryside Stewardship Scheme
• Tree health pilot scheme (THP)

Woodland charities and related organisations

• Herefordshire Wildlife Trust
• Forestry Commission
• National Trust
• Woodland Trust
• Royal Forestry Society
• The Tree Council
• Herefordshire Tree Forum and Tree Warden Network

For information and guidance on tree safety management see The National Tree Safety Group.

Visit the Natural Flood Management Hub to explore NFM Projects across the UK and view their Agricultural Land Management guide.

Visit the NFM evidence directory for more information about how working with natural processes reduces flood risk.