Woodland & Tree Management

An Emphasis on Amenity and Wildlife Value

A g r i S c a p e’ s woodland service puts the emphasis on developing the amenity and wildlife value for the client and not commercial production. At the same time however management for amenity and conservation will always consider the quality and value of any potential timber or coppice products within sustainable principles

Reports, Grants and Planning

A g r i S c a p e can provide clients with management reports and secure grant funding when appropriate

Ride Management

Open space within woodland is a key aspect to the visual and wildlife quality but with most woodland tending to be under managed such areas are often limited

Widening and creating bays along rides through coppicing and selective thinning is a straightforward way of introducing such spaces, letting the sun in and providing excellent habitat for herbs and flowers with the associated Butterfly and insect species

A mowing or cutting regime can be introduced on a regular cycle to provide a diverse tapestry of vegetation types

Thinning

Variety in the structure and age of trees makes woodland a much more appealing place to be for people and wildlife. Under management can lead to poor timber quality and age diversity. Along with the suppression of the understorey and other plant layers

Selective thinning ensures that the remaining standards have adequate space to form quality timber whilst allowing natural regeneration and encouraging the other plant layers and associated wildlife

At the same time this approach provides a satisfying and sustainable source of wood for fuel, turning and other greenwood crafts

Coppicing

The majority of our native, ancient woodland has been managed through Coppicing for thousands of years providing sustainable fuel and materials and our fauna and flora has adjusted to the habitat that coppice cycles produce

Sadly with diminishing markets since the war, most coppice has become neglected.

Markets are now growing again and given the habitat significance of coppice, grants are now available for restoration. Large-scale restoration however requires considerable thought not only in relation to the initial cost of restoration but the state of the local market for product and the level of damage likely from a currently high deer population

On a small scale coppicing along rides combined with thinning can transform the visual and wildlife appeal of neglected woodland

Pollarding

Willows on the moors are the classic example of pollarding and play a very important role in maintaining the character of the Somerset levels.

Pollarding was a method traditionally employed to provide materials and fuel from a tree. The crown wood was removed every few years at a height above ground to prevent stock from grazing on the re-growth.

It also greatly prolongs the life of a tree and increases its value to wildlife.

It is still a useful technique to employ where more light is needed along streams or adjacent to ponds and lakes

Planting

For information on planting and vegetation management services please see the Planting and management page

Hides, High Seats and Boxes

A g r i S c a p e is able to supply and install stalkers high seats, bat and bird boxes and to construct hides and shelters from green oak and other materials available from the wood