Learn about the Woodland Condition Assessment (WCA) process
When - 19th June 2026
Who - Kelvin Archer
Where - Chatsworth Estate, Bakewell
Cost - £120
In attendance will be Chris Tomlin,
Policy Adviser for Natural Environment at the Forestry Commission, who was instrumental in the development of the Woodland Condition Assessment (WCA) app.
Course Description
This one-day course provides training in Woodland Condition Assessment (WCA) using the Forestry Commission’s dedicated app for spring/summer conditions. The course is designed to meet the needs of professional forestry practitioners and includes a total of 7 hours CPD learning.
The course includes an indoor session that presents the background and theory underpinning the WCA tool. Case studies for planning and costing WCA surveys will also be presented. This will be followed by practical sessions in PAWS and ASNW stand types where participants will work in groups to practice field skills and complete WCA surveys.
The course team comprises highly skilled practitioners with extensive knowledge and experience with using the WCA tool. The course is designed to be inclusive and interactive, with time for questions, discussion and teamwork activities. Participants will leave feeling confident to carry out surveys when trees are in leaf.
At the end of the course each participant will be presented with a Silviculture Academy Certificate of Completion. This will indicate 7 learning hours that can be used to meet CPD requirements for the Institute of Chartered Foresters (ICF) and the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM).
Silviculture Academy is an established provider of continuing professional development for forestry students, professionals and woodland owners.
Detailed Course Contents
- An introduction to British woodland habitats and their characteristics that are used to assess condition.
- Assessment of broad woodland condition indicators relevant to the season including: age distribution of trees, browsing damage, tree health, canopy cover, vertical structure, deadwood and woodland disturbance.
- Review of indicator woodland flora, native trees and invasive species in leaf/flower.
- Practical experience completing the Woodland Condition Assessment using the Forestry Commission’s new app, Woodland Condition Assessment app. with guidance from our expert tutor.
- Practical experience in planning surveys and determining the appropriate number of plots within different stand conditions.
Who Should Attend?
This course is designed to meet the needs of professional foresters who require a one-day overview and training in WCA. It will be particularly useful for those who own or manage woodlands and seek to gain greater confidence and skills in completing the Forestry Commission’s Woodland Condition Assessment.Prior Knowledge: The course assumes prior knowledge in common woodland species (trees and ground vegetation), woodland classification (NVC) and field survey techniques. Ecologists, woodland owners and senior forestry students with field skills and relevant experience will also find the course highly beneficial.
Knowledge Level: Intermediate to Professional
PLEASE NOTE:
There is no accommodation or meal facilities provided with this course. Refreshments (tea and coffee) will be available. If we are unable to reach viable numbers for this course, we will inform you of the course cancellation 4 weeks prior to the course run. Bookings will close if course capacity is reached.
Course Tutor:
Kelvin Archer, Director of Forestry at Lowther Estate
Example Timetable
Timings for the start and finish are indicated on the booking page for the course. Please arrive in time for the course to start promptly.
Indoor Session
- Learners will build awareness of the importance of woodland condition assessment and it’s wider applications.
- A review of appropriate woodland condition indicators for summer (classroom).
- A step-by-step guide to the WCA app.
- In-class practical session and discussion.
- Break for lunch
Outdoor Session
- Learners will be taken on a field visit to one or more examples of woodland to put into practice knowledge and skills built during the morning session.
- Use supporting FSC guides to identify the range of woodland features and establish survey plots.
- Groups will go to a woodland site and work through the woodland condition assessment using the WCA app.
- Learners will return to the classroom to review WCA results and discuss any practical matters arising from the fieldwork.
What's Included
- Classroom learning covering the theory of the topic
- Field excursions to apply new knowledge
- Expert tuition from a leading practitioner and expert in the use of the WCA tool
- Support from a specialist from the Forestry Commission
- Clear objectives and progression
- Refreshments (tea/coffee)
Before You Attend
- Notebook and pencil
- Lunch and refreshments
- Sensible footwear and clothing for being outdoors
- Small bag to carry personal items
- A mobile phone so you can download and use the Woodland Condition Assessment App. Please register and download the WCA app before the course.
- Your preferred tree and wildflower guides (e.g. Rose or Streeter)
- A x10 hand lens
Recommended Literature
It is advisable to purchase a copy of the FSC Woodland Condition Assessment Study Pack, available from Summerfield Books. This survey pack includes a set of guides specifically designed to help you complete a Woodland Condition Assessment.
Location
Exact Location TBC
Chatsworth Estate
Bakewell
Derbyshire
DE45 1PP