We have been flat out recently undertaking some woodland thinning on Farm woodland scheme plantations. A busy few weeks has seen a good few acres heavily thinned which has had the following benefits:
- More light has been let down to the woodland floor improving biodiversity as other species can grow ( while the tree canopy is still open)
- Remaining trees have more space and less competition so should put on more timber (more valuable final crop)
- Improved access into the woodland
- Better access for habitat management and the management of game birds using the area
- A large supply of Firewood to keep houses warm this winter!
Woodland edge prior to thinning
Woodland middle before thinning
Woodland edge after thinning
Woodland middle after thinning
Looking down a newly created ride post thinning
Low impact thinning
All of the work was undertaken with the intent of causing the minimum amount of disturbance and damage possible (excluding the removal of the trees). Felling was undertaken by hand cutters using chainsaws and all extraction was completed using our low impact tractor and trailer to keep ground damage to a minimum. One of the advantage of using hand cutters over machinery is that it allows us to tidy up the branch material “brash” to the edge of the ride to leave a clear access track if required. Machines although faster tend to leave the brash in the middle of the ride and run over it, although they can then go back later and tidy it up too.
Removing timber without leaving a mark
The result is a woodland that has better future growth potential through more space for the remaining trees, improved habitat for wildlife and a large supply of firewood to keep the home fires burning in what we hope at least is a chilly winter this year!
For more pictures of the work and its results please visit our Facebook page.