Vegetation Management & Clearance
Practical Solutions with Ecological CareControlling Growth, Protecting Landscapes
Vegetation Management & Clearance involves the safe, efficient removal or control of unwanted vegetation, including trees, scrub, brambles, and invasive species. Whether preparing land for development, restoring habitats, or managing access routes, we tailor our methods to site conditions, ecological sensitivity, and long-term land use goals.
Mechanical and Manual Clearance
We offer both mechanical and manual vegetation clearance depending on site needs. This includes:
- Strimming and brush-cutting overgrown areas
- Removing scrub and bramble to restore open habitats
- Clearing access routes, fence lines, and utility corridors
- Preparing sites for construction or landscaping
Our team uses specialist equipment to ensure clearance is effective while minimising ground damage and disturbance to retained vegetation.
Invasive Species Control
Non-native species like Japanese knotweed, Himalayan balsam, and giant hogweed can severely impact native biodiversity. We carry out:
- Survey and mapping of invasive populations
- Targeted herbicide application by licensed operatives
- Mechanical control and removal where appropriate
- Site restoration to prevent re-infestation
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.
Habitat Sensitivity and Timing
Clearance work is always scheduled with ecology in mind. We avoid the bird nesting season (March–August) unless risk-assessed and approved.
We also implement biosecurity and retention of ecological features such as veteran trees, standing deadwood, and wildlife corridors where appropriate.
Felling Licence
A Felling Licence is a legal requirement under the Forestry Act 1967 for the felling of trees in England, Scotland, and Wales, unless specific exemptions apply.
Issued by the relevant forestry authority (e.g. Forestry Commission in England), the licence ensures that tree felling is carried out responsibly, sustainably, and in line with national forestry standards and environmental regulations.
Legal Compliance and Enforcement
Felling without a licence, where one is required, is a criminal offence and may result in enforcement action, fines, and a Restocking Notice requiring trees to be replanted at the landowner’s expense.
Licences typically remain valid for up to 5 years, and all felling must be completed within the approved timeframe and conditions.
Felling Licence Requirement
Licence Application Includes:
Location and mapping of the area proposed for felling.
Volume estimates and species to be felled.
Felling type (e.g., thinning, clear-fell, selective felling).
Restocking proposals, often a legal condition of the licence unless otherwise agreed (e.g., natural regeneration or land use change).
Environmental and heritage considerations, including impacts on protected species, designated sites, and landscape features.
A felling licence is generally required when:
More than 5 cubic metres of timber is felled in a calendar quarter (no more than 2 cubic metres can be sold without a licence).
Felling is not covered by an approved woodland management plan, restocking notice, or permitted development (e.g. highways, utilities).
Trees are not exempt (e.g. dangerous trees, garden trees, or trees subject to planning permission).
Applications are reviewed by the Forestry Commission and may involve consultation with local authorities, Natural England, or Historic England where relevant.
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]
Or user alternative options on the contact page: