Woodland floor management

[Dan.masterman]

I’ve recently purchased a 3 acre mixed planted woodland as a project not to log commercially but to manage for the family to use and make a bit of extra money in using it for producing some logs and other woodland products. It is approx 25years old and has been neglected really since birth. Have a lot of bramble, blackthorn and various other ground species starting to take over the understory. Need to clear these so I can get in and start some felling.

What is the best way to manage the woodland floor so that I can allow regeneration of more native species. Looking particulate for ideas on how to clear it and keep on top of it myself. Can’t access with any large commercial machinery but these remote control flail mowers would fit for a first cut. Anyone have any experience with these/hire them/contract themselves out with one for the day and how to control to inevitable regrowth of all things spikey and thorny after a first cut? I have a quad bike so any ideas on any towable machines/tools would be appreciated 

 

Many thanks

 

dan