"Free" Woodland Management, well, not really.

[Sam Thompson]

Hi,

 

 

I've been thinking recently of doing some woodland work but not for money. I don't know if this is treading on people's toes though. I personally can't see a problem with it, but I wouldn't want to be cutting people out of work. I will explain now that I am half way through a ND in forestry, and will work for "free" because I don't feel people will pay for my services. If I can charge, then I can't afford not too! I thought I would go and approach local farmers and say that I will do any work needed to their small copses/woods/large hedges for free if I can keep the products.

 

 

Would you take umbrage?

 

 

 

Sam

[roseyweb]

Altot of woodland work is done for free, usually for the timber / produce. You go for it not enough people working in forestry to many go for arb and thats why jobs are so scarce.

[Andy Collins]

We are currently doing 2 woodlands for the timber, so its not technically free, but you need to be productive. Also bear in mind the H&S aspect of lone working, if you're working for free you cant afford to pay someone to accompany you, so maybe arrange to check in at every break with the landowner, or someone on the farm by phone. I'd say go for it, the experience is invaluable, and you'll start to build up a client base as word gets around. Sort out contacts for shifting the timber, even hazel rods from the understorey can be sold for pea and bean sticks, and thatchers will buy straighter rods in bundles.