To establish a baseline position, the wood in its then-current state (at June 2013) was assessed according to the Woodland Star Rating scheme. This scheme is based on the UK Forestry Standard (UKFS) and aims to
The assessment score is based on activities within the categories of General Forestry Practice, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Historic Environment, Landscape, People, Soil, Water, Management Plan. Over the two years 2013-2015 the assessment for Sable Wood increased from 48% to over 60%, keeping it within the Bronze standard.