Stevenage aims to conserve and enhance its woodlands by improving their structure and biodiversity value. The borough contains around 130 ha of woodland (5% of the area), including 54 ha of ancient woodland, which is rare in an urban setting. These woods, mainly Oak–Hornbeam with rich ground flora, provide key wildlife habitat, recreation opportunities and carbon storage.
Many woodland blocks are small and fragmented, creating extensive edges that make them vulnerable to negative impacts from surrounding land uses, such as garden waste dumping and the spread of non‑native plants. Most woodlands are currently overly dense and lack varied structure, reducing their ecological value.
To improve biodiversity, the woodlands require active management, including thinning, creating rides and glades, removing non‑native trees, and coppicing. A coordinated management plan—potentially tied to sustainable timber extraction—could deliver this work at low or no cost, or even generate income. A five‑year woodland management plan tailored to each site is recommended.