Forest Roads, PRoW & Ditch Management
Safe, Sustainable Woodland AccessUpgrading of Forest Roads, Public Rights of Way and Ditch Clearing/Reinstatement
Upgrading infrastructure such as forest roads, public rights of way (PRoW), and associated drainage systems is vital for safe access, woodland operations, public use, and environmental protection. These works are carried out with consideration for ground conditions, ecological sensitivity, and legal access rights.
Forest Road Upgrading
Upgrades to forest roads may include resurfacing, widening, drainage improvements, and the reinforcement of load-bearing capacity to support timber extraction and maintenance vehicles.
Works typically involve:
- Grading and profiling of the road surface.
- Importing crushed stone or road planings to improve durability.
- Installing or repairing cross drains, culverts and camber to manage surface water.
- Vegetation clearance along verges to improve visibility and reduce shading.
Where appropriate, road design follows UK Forestry Standard guidelines, minimising soil compaction and runoff into watercourses.
Public Rights of Way Maintenance and Enhancement
Works to PRoW include the repair, resurfacing, or rerouting of footpaths, bridleways, or byways, often to improve accessibility and user safety.
Typical tasks include:
- Surfacing with appropriate materials (e.g. compacted gravel, timber boardwalks on wet ground).
- Installation or repair of gates, signage, bridges and waymarkers.
- Ensuring PRoWs remain unobstructed and compliant with
- Definitive Map records and relevant local authority access requirements.
- Managing adjacent vegetation to keep routes passable and visible.
Ditch Clearing and Reinstatement
Clearing and reinstating woodland or roadside ditches is essential to prevent flooding, maintain infrastructure, and protect soils.
Activities include:
- Manual or mechanical removal of silt, debris and invasive vegetation.
- Re-profiling ditch banks and clearing outfalls to restore free-flowing drainage.
- Creating shallow sediment traps or check dams where erosion control is needed.
- Ensuring any works near watercourses follow Environmental Permitting Regulations and avoid impacts on protected habitats or species.
All works are scheduled outside sensitive ecological windows (e.g. nesting season) and carried out in line with best practice for environmental protection, access, and landscape preservation.
Key Services Include:
Forest road improvements – surfacing, grading and drainage for safe woodland access and timber operations.
PRoW maintenance – repairing and upgrading footpaths, bridleways and access points to ensure usability and compliance.
Ditch clearing and reinstatement – restoring natural drainage to reduce flooding and protect soils and habitats.
Environmentally mindful delivery – scheduled around ecological sensitivities and compliant with UK Forestry Standards and permitting regulations.
Get in Touch
Please get in touch to arrange a site visit and a member of our team will come out to your site to assess the works that you require.
T: 01420 579071
E: [email protected]
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