Woodland Management

Woodland-management.co.uk will support owners with all aspects of forestry and woodland management. Characteristics of woodlands vary considerably, as do the objectives of owners. Furthermore, owner resources and inclinations differ. Some may have the time, labour and equipment for a hands on approach, while others may need support in many areas. The role of a woodland agent therefore varies according to what the owner can put in. So while there is no such thing as a generic plan to management, close consultation and a thorough assessment of woodland characteristics will discover the right approach.

The service includes:

* Planning woodland management and silviculture to suit objectives

* Surveying, mapping and mensuration

* Restoration of ancient woodland

* Identifying and applying for appropriate grants

* Budgeting

* Sale of produce

* Arranging and monitoring harvesting contracts

* Timber seasoning advice

* Design of new woodland

* Advice on deer pressure in woodland

* Small pieces of advisory work

The benefits of management

“Non-intervention” may be a perfectly valid management prescription, perhaps within a broader woodland context where a patchwork of different habitat types will improve biodiversity. However, there is no “Wildwood” left in Britain, and a woodland-scale non-intervention prescription leads to reduced light levels on the woodland floor, no timber productivity, and virtually zero additional carbon sequestration. Through careful planning, management can achieve far greater benefits:

* Improved habitat for biodiversity

* Local timber and firewood production

* Carbon sequestration

* Promote local employment and industry.

Planning

Forest and woodland plans are produced for a 20-year time scale, and give a clear guide to periodic operations from the outset. Plans are based on the characteristics of the woodland, and the objectives of the owner. They are an important feature in woodland management, and can help unlock public funding for planned operations. A minimum of £1000 planning grant is available under the English Woodland Grant scheme, to fund the production of management plans.

Aims and objectives

While aims and objectives vary considerably, they may be ranked according to order. Usually included are some or all of the following:

* Economics and business development

* Timber production

* Improving habitat for biodiversity, or for specific species

* Amenity and sport

* Adding or restoring value to a woodland holding

* Tax management

Grant assistance

The new round of English Woodland Grant Scheme funding can help with planning, harvesting, habitat improvement and replanting.

Help from the Tax Department

Ojectives often include a commercial element. There are tax advantages to managing woodland as a business.

Markets and budgets

While the aims and objectives of woodland management are a central part of planning, global timber markets fluctuate year by year.

Woodland-management.co.uk can help forecast, order and manage the budgets involved in planning, thinning, harvesting and planting operations.