The National Trees Outside Woodland (TOW) Survey - Example Data consist of data captured in the field based on the TOW survey protocol. This dataset reflects only a partial subset and is supplied as example data for experimental use. As such this only contains data collected from 9 months in 2023-2024. Additional years of data collection and publication will follow. Thus, this example data is not representative of the whole target population and may contain an element of bias, which may make it unsuitable for all intended analytical purposes until further data is published.
Two complementary work streams run to deliver TOW field survey data: Firstly, an office-based hand-mapping of 3000 1km2 samples across England utilising GIS and aerial photography. Secondly, a field survey exercise of a stratified subset of over 1,000 1km2 sample squares over a five-year period. In each of the field sample squares, surveyors collect a subset of a maximum of 60 TOW features for sampling. These TOW features include up to 5 small woods, 15 tree groups, 35 lone trees and 5 hedgerows. The survey methodology applies much of the National Forest Inventory (NFI) field data methodology. The data were collected across England.
Users should ensure they have read the supporting documentation before viewing or making use of the data. This includes the NCEA Analysis Ready Data Limitations Statement and dataset specific limitations/caveats outlined in the Summary Guide.
The 'National Trees Outside Woodlands Survey’ is a project funded by the UK Government through Defra’s Natural Capital and Ecosystem Assessment programme (NCEA).
Attribution statement: © Forestry Commission copyright and/or database right 2026. All rights reserved.