Trusted and professional woodland management services

Woodland Survey, Assessment and Inventory

A desk study for existing records and woodland surveys are essential for informing woodland management planning and forestry operations. If you don't know what is in and around the woodland, you cannot set management objectives.

We use a combination of conventional survey methods and the latest digital technology (including drones) to accurately identify, map and monitor the many features and boundaries in a woodland.

But it doesn't stop there. We compile the data into data handling and mapping software to produce a Woodland Inventory broken down by woodland compartment. So even if your management objectives change, you still have a reservoir of digital data to draw upon.

Survey of ancient woodland, Leicestershire

Woodland Management Planning and Grants

Having a formally-approved Woodland Management Plan means you will be undertaking woodland management in line with the UK Forestry Standard. It proves your legitimate intent to undertake lawful forestry to the right standard.

We can register your land with the relevant Government agency, produce and submit the Woodland Management Plan and associated drawings to the forestry statutory authority for approval, and apply for woodland grants. It all helps with the cost of owning and managing a woodland.

Forestry operations plan, Somerset

Due Diligence, Licences, Consents, Enforcement

In the majority of cases, some type of permission is needed to undertake any activity in woodlands.

We can provide due diligence advice on environmental and development planning matters in advance of a land purchase or project proceeding to ensure you understand how to limit your liabilities to ownership and management, and to make the most of opportunities.

We can apply for felling and/or thinning licences from the statutory forestry authority, and if required (depending upon the sensitivities of the woodland and what you are intending), undertake Environmental Impact Assessment screening.

We can also obtain the necessary development planning authorisation from the Local Planning Authority if for example you require a forestry building, upgrade a forestry track or install a new forestry access off a main road. Should you be in the unfortunate position of facing planning enforcement action regarding your woodland, we can help diffuse and resolve that situation for you too.

Forestry building with retrospective planning consent

Retrospective planning consent for forestry building, Sussex

Practical Management

We don't just talk about woodland management, we do woodland management.

We specialise in undertaking hand felling with chainsaws in hard to access and/or sensitive woodlands where machine harvesters and forwarders might not necessarily be the best option for the woodland.

We can also act as an agent on your behalf liaising with the felling Contractor to make sure the highest standards of health and safety are being adhered to and that you get a good price for your timber.

Temporary deer fencing and coppice restoration

Coppice restoration and deer fencing, Gloucestershire

Training, Research, Policy Influence

When we are not managing woodlands we are keen to teach others how to, help new entrants into the forestry sector, and lobby for an improved regulatory regime.

We have undertaken nationally-significant woodland studies and shaped strategic woodland policy. We are always keen to partner with other professionals to investigate new ways of understanding woodlands, woodland owners & managers and how to further unlock their potential.

We are approved by Lantra as training providers and instructors. You can therefore be reassured that courses we deliver are of the highest standards. Check out our current courses.

Teaching a woodland course outdoors in woodland

Delivering woodland training course, Gloucestershire

Services