Designing a “Best in Class” Woodland for Carbon, Wildlife, and Community
A 13ha native woodland near Penzance, designed to sequester 772t CO₂, enhance biodiversity, and respect historic views—recognised as best in class by Grown in Britain’s CEO.

Client: Paul Connel
Location: Near Penzance, Cornwall
Services Provided
Landscape Character Assessment (LCA)
Visual Impact Analysis
Woodland Design for Carbon Sequestration
Grant Support (EWCO Application)
The Challenge
Paul Connel set out to create a new woodland that would contribute to carbon sequestration, support biodiversity, and be a valued local amenity. However, the site’s location within a Cornwall National Landscape (AONB), close to the Scheduled Monument of Chysauster Ancient Village, and intersected by a public footpath, introduced multiple sensitivities. Visual, ecological, and cultural landscape considerations had to be carefully balanced.
The Solution
Land & Heritage supported a successful application to the English Woodland Creation Offer (EWCO) and led the woodland’s strategic design. A detailed Landscape Character Assessment was produced to assess sensitivity, shape layout decisions, and anticipate impacts—particularly in views from Chysauster and along the public footpath.
Our designs emphasised naturalistic planting with mixed native broadleaf species, avoiding straight lines and hard edges to integrate with the local character and views.
The Result
The project delivered a 13-hectare, carefully designed woodland, planting 28,500 trees expected to sequester 772 tonnes of carbon over 25 years. It enhances biodiversity, respects the landscape setting, and provides a valuable space for public enjoyment.
This approach received praise from Dougal Driver, CEO of Grown in Britain, as a “best in class” example of sensitive and sustainable woodland creation.