Forest Management
Our forest management team works closely with clients to understand the aims and objectives of their forestry ownership. Together we develop comprehensive plans for managing the property before these are approved by Scottish Forestry, Forestry Commission, or Natural Resources Wales.
Annual Reporting
Once a five-year plan has been agreed upon, it forms a framework for preparing annual estimates for carrying out work within the plan. These estimates are approved by the client and reported against annually, accompanied by a report of each year’s operations.
Safety and Environmental Inspections
Our managed forests are inspected regularly for condition and security. Once a year, a more in-depth inspection called a Health and Environment Check is undertaken. This identifies any crop health issues or maintenance issues that may need to be brought to the forest owner’s attention and addressed. Twice a year, roadside trees and any other trees which may pose a hazard for the public undergo safety checks. This helps protect the forest owner from any claims against them in the event of injury.
Insurance
F&W Forestry can put insurance arrangements in place and advise the owner on the appropriate crop values.
Forecasting and Valuation
We can undertake financial forecasting and valuations to suit the client’s objectives.
Grant Claims
On behalf of the owner, we can apply for forestry grants to help manage the forestry project.
Planning and Management
The forestry management team works closely with clients to understand the aims and objectives for their forest or woodland. Together we develop comprehensive management and Long-Term Forest Plans for each forest or woodland; these plans are submitted to the Forestry Commission, Scottish Forestry or Natural Resources Wales for approval. An approved Plan provides both the authorization for future harvesting and the basis for potential grant applications.
Subjects covered by the forest management plan include the following:
- Short-, medium- and long-term silvicultural development of the forest or woodland
- Selection of appropriate management regimes
- Tree planting, landscape design and maintenance
- Woodland improvement schemes
- Harvesting, marketing and management of timber sales
- Installation and maintenance of roads, tracks and footpaths, including public access routes
- Management of invasive species and pests
- Protection and enhancement of native biodiversity and habitat
- Non-timber income opportunities
If the owner wishes to sell timber certified as being ‘sustainably produced’ and realise the potential benefits of forest certification, the woodland can be assessed for entry into our Resource Management Group Scheme.
Management of Estate Woodlands
Liaising regularly with owners and their agents, F&W Forestry manages woodlands and forests located on private estates from Cornwall up to the Highlands of Scotland.
Planting and Development of Existing Woodland
Restructuring of Existing Woodland
F&W Forestry provides crop management services which include:
- Felling of coupes or larger ‘clear fell’ areas
- Thinning
- Planning species, density and spacing
- Ground preparation and planting
- Protection of new trees from insect and mammal pests
Creation and Development of New Woodland
F&W Forestry has established new woodlands and forests in various locations and settings across the UK. We can design, plant, and manage any type of woodland from native broadleaves to productive conifers. F&W Forestry offers a comprehensive service in woodland establishment and development, from the inception and consultative stage to grant applications, planting, maintenance, and management.
Woodland Creation ServiceTimber Harvesting and Marketing
F&W Forestry provides clients with a comprehensive timber harvesting and marketing service, with access to a wide range of timber production markets. We are independent from timber processing interests which means we can act in your best interest to secure the optimum price for your timber. Our timber harvesting services include:
- Mensuration
- Operational planning
- Tendering of timber
- Supervision of harvesting operations
- Roadside sales of hardwood timber
- Management of firewood production
Surveying and Mapping
F&W Forestry provides surveying and mapping services, including:
- Aerial photo interpretation
- Generation of maps for forest management
- GIS analysis
- Forestry landscape and design plans
- Preparation of maps and plans for property sale
- Drone surveying
Aerial Imaging
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, have become an invaluable tool for forest managers. They provide a cost-effective method of collecting high resolution photographic and other forms of data, such as infra-red images to assess crop health. This enables accurate measurement of both crop and ground conditions, with the added benefit of offering visually stunning fly-over videos. These can be powerful marketing aids and can give forest owners a clear overview of their forest assets.
F&W Forestry has a team of qualified drone pilots licensed under the Civil Aviation Authority regulations, with appropriate insurance for commercial UAV operations. F&W also offers a range of drone services to forest owners and external clients, including:
- Forest acquisition surveys and promotional filming
- Surveys of forestry operations, g., timber harvesting, road construction and drainage
- Site condition surveys, which can be oblique videos/still photography, 360˚ panoramas or geo-rectified photographs for use in GIS mapping to assist with:
- Ground condition and crop surveys (species mapping)
- Tree health and condition studies and monitoring (multi-spectral imaging)
- Wind damage surveys (for management and insurance uses)
- Terrain modelling and point cloud 3D analysis
Tree Safety Management and Inspection
Owners have a duty of care to maintain their trees in a safe condition as far as practicable to fulfil their legal responsibility. F&W Forestry advises on tree safety inspections and other forms of inspection regimes. We carry out these safety inspections for estates, local authorities, housing associations, and landowners.
Our tree inspectors are fully qualified and meet recognised industry standards, including those set by the Arboricultural Association and Royal Forestry Society. Surveys are carried out using hand-held GPS mappers with the reports available either electronically or in hard copy.
Growing Timber Insurance
F&W Forestry provides Growing Timber and Public Liability Insurance for hundreds of forests that we manage across the UK. We can provide quotations for:
- Fire cover
- Fire and storm cover
- Public liability insurance
The insurance is brokered by Lycetts and underwritten by AXA.
Wildlife Management
Forests and woodlands provide essential habitats for a wide range of wildlife, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and many rare flora.
Conservation and Creation of Habitats
VAT Administration
F&W Forestry offers a VAT administration service for its clients. Forest and woodland owners should always seek advice from their financial advisor concerning eligibility and the implications of VAT registration in their circumstances.
