Forestry and Woodland management

First thinnings in conifer woodlands

For a long time in British forestry a poor practice of single or no thinning harvests has been sustained. This, in comparison to a scandinavian management model where up to 5 thinnings may be carried out has left UK conifer stands unproductive and prone to windblow.

For this reason the machine harvesting side of the business is aimed at first and second thinnings between the ages of 15 and 25 years. These thins directly lead to sustaining the annual yield class through increased light and decreased nutrient competition as well as opening the stand to wind movement promoting root growth.

Under valued woodlands

Due to the demand of the biomass industry smaller hardwood and softwood stands which may in the past have been unviable to clear fell or thin have potential to be managed for amenity and income.

It may be difficult to get the standard forestry contractor interested in such sites however in the right proximity it may be something we would consider. This can include hand cutting, winch and coppice sites.

Forestry agents

'The long term' is an important concept in a managment plan of a crop that may take more than a century to reach full maturity.
As well as felling licences and grant applications we are working toward a full portfolio of woodlands under lease, ownership and long term management. This as well as providing continuity to the woodlands is allowing us to experiment with new ideas such as taxodium distichum as an alternative to phytophthora affected larch and a two stage coppice with standard system aimed at future mechanical coppice harvesting.

Planting and fencing

Although not a key part of the business this is something we have carried out in the past where it has been part of a long term management plan that we are involved with and would be happy to consider it again under similar circumstances.

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