Quick guide

 

This Quick Guide summarises the EIA process from first deciding that the work proposed can be classified as a forestry project to preparing the environmental statement as part of the application for consent.

Please note that the majority of applications proceed only as far as Step 4.

1. Check whether the proposals are a forestry project as defined in the EIA Regulations.
   
   • More info – Projects and thresholds
   • More info – Environmental Impact Assessment booklet (881k - pdf) 
     
     
2. Use the Land Information Search to find out if there are any designations or other sensitivities that might need to be taken into account.
   
   Go to Land Information Search
   
   
3. Check the area threshold table to see if your project area is below them.
   
   • More info – Projects and thresholds
     
     
4. If the area of the project is under the thresholds, consent from the Forestry Commission may not be required.  If any work has been carried out in an area adjacent to the project within the previous five years, this area must also be counted towards the area threshold.
   
   
5. Proceed with the project or submit an application for grant aid
   If the area is above the thresholds – check with the Forestry Commission to see if their consent is required.
   
   
   • Use the Determination Form (60k - pdf).
     
   • Other documents are also needed to help the Forestry Commission make a decision.
     
   • More info - Applying for Opinion.
     
     
6. Follow this step only if the Forestry Commission decide that their consent is required.
   
   • Download a copy of the FC booklet “Undertaking an Environmental Impact Assessment in Forestry and preparing an Environmental Statement”· 
   • Arrange a scoping meeting with help from the Forestry Commission.
   • Prepare the Environmental Statement.
   • Advertise the Statement in the newspapers agreed with the Forestry Commission.
     
     More info -  Applying for consent
     
   • Ask the Forestry Commission and other relevant bodies for help to prepare the Environmental Statement.