Starting a Forest Management Firm

[Pine Marten]

Hi all, (Great forum BTW)

 

After being absent from the forest management scene for a couple of years I have recently qualified as a Forestry Commission Better Woodlands for Wales Management Planner as a way to get back into things. I'm currently talking to a number of landowners and farmers to try and get them interested in managing their woods and assisting with the grants process with a view to providing the full range of woodland management services in the future.

 

Just looking for some advice at the moment about how to go about things

 

Does anyone know of anyone who currently needs Management Planning advice or needs a forester to assist with felling licences, landscape issues, replanting etc etc? My main background is in managing large state forests so I feel as if I'm groping around in the dark a bit at present. Been doing quite a bit of cold calling but the question is, is there a better way to approach landowners than simply rucking up at usually the most inapropriate time possible? (I know! I know! Some wag will say, 'go at a more appropriate time' but I think you get the idea!)

 

If anyone lives/works in the Mid/North Wales area / Welsh Marches has any ideas I'm all ears.

 

cheers

PM

[James]

Please get in touch if you are able to work in West Yorkshire area. I might have one or two small jobs for you...

[Joy Yeomans]

have you tried contacting your local farmers "hub", we have one in Staffordshire that sends out a newsletter to local landowners/farmers quarterly or local NFU rep.? local Forestry Commission? CLA?

[Pine Marten]

James - appreciate it. Probably won't be in the Yorkshire area but appreciate the thought. I'll PM to discuss all the same.

 

Logbaron - I've just got in touch with the local NFU and have been talking to some of the bigger forestry companies who want the work potentially generated by Better Woodlands for Wales plans but not the hassle of the planning itself if that makes sense. FC have me on the approved contractors list but won't show 'favouritism' which is fair enough. CLA? Is that the Countryside land and Business Association? (Did a quick Google!) If it is it certainly looks worth giving a go - thanks for the heads up!

 

Cheers lads - keep 'em coming:biggrin:

[Joy Yeomans]

yes cla - sorry county landowners associaton and business - we are members - might be worth you joining if you wanted - they send out regular newsletters email etc, and if you join as a business member they can help promote your business for you and give some sound advise on this sort of thing - they also hold evening tours around local estates etc that sort of thing where you can network with local gentry etc. - all the best Roh

[Darren]

have you tried advertising on Environmentally Friendly Free Classified Ads

[Pine Marten]

Hi Darren, that's an excellent site - thanks very much

 

regards

PM