Harvesting, Thinning & Biomass Production

Efficient Timber Management, Sustainable Energy

Integrated Forest Stewardship

Sustainable forest management on estates or woodland holdings often includes strategic harvesting and thinning operations to improve timber quality, maintain woodland health, and produce biomass for renewable energy. These interventions are carried out in accordance with the UK Forestry Standard and best practice guidelines for ecological and silvicultural integrity.

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Thinning

Thinning involves the selective removal of trees to reduce competition for light, water, and nutrients, thereby promoting the growth of remaining trees and improving woodland structure.

Thinning types may include:

  • Low thinning (removal of suppressed or poorly formed trees).
  • Crown thinning (selective removal in the upper canopy to improve light penetration), or
  • Selective thinning for structural or biodiversity objectives.

Thinning cycles are typically planned every 5–10 years depending on species, stand age, and management goals.

Harvesting

Clear felling or selective harvesting may be undertaken where stands have reached maturity or where restocking with more appropriate species is required.

Operations include:

  • Tree felling and extraction using mechanised or low-impact methods (e.g. forwarders or horse logging in sensitive areas).
  • Processing of timber on-site or at roadside for sawlog, pulp or biomass use.
  • Protection of retained trees, watercourses, and soils through buffer zones and brash mats.

Harvesting is carefully planned with regard to nesting seasons, protected species, and visual or landscape sensitivity, and may be phased to reduce environmental impact.

Biomass Production

Biomass is a by-product of thinning and harvesting operations and consists of small-diameter timber, brash, and tree tops unsuitable for sawmilling.

This material is:

  • Chipped or baled for use in biomass boilers, district heating systems or pellet production.
  • Stored and dried as necessary to meet fuel quality standards (e.g. moisture content below 30%).
  • Sourced sustainably and traceably in line with Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) or Biomass Suppliers List (BSL) requirements.

Biomass production supports circular economy principles and can generate an income stream while contributing to carbon reduction targets.

Key Services Include:

Selective thinning to improve forest structure and tree quality.

Low-impact or mechanised harvesting for timber and site regeneration.

On-site processing for sawlogs, pulpwood, and energy-grade biomass.

Biomass chipping and drying for sustainable fuel supply.

Compliance with UK Forestry Standard and best ecological practices.

We deliver environmentally responsible forest operations that enhance woodland health, support biodiversity, and enable renewable energy generation through biomass production. Our team ensures every intervention is tailored to site conditions, long-term goals, and regulatory frameworks.

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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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