What is management?

[Stereo]

I have about 4 acres of woodland on a slope. It's mainly large old trees of the usual oak, ash etc varieties with some ancient coppice in places.

 

We are looking at ways to manage it and gain some income but can't see what can be done with so many large trees and not much underneath. We are looking at grants and advice but what will they tell us. As far as I can see a lot of big old trees will have to come down. What do they usually advise with ancient woods?

[Backpain]

Hi Stereo, in my opinion with such an established woodland you would be best to take the policy of maximising the biodiversity. This could include the creation of woodland glades and consequently the removal of some valuable timber for the mill or firewood. The value all depends on the cost of removal and of coarse quality. Include some new planting and your well on the way to getting a grant depending where you are. Where are you? I may be able to help.

[Charlieh]

I would speak to someone locally who does woodland management advice and can steer you to funding streams to assist with the woodlands and will know local contractors to market timber to and suitable outlets, I could reel of loads of grant schemes that may/maynot help with your funding but without walking the woodland and knowing the locations then the advice i can give you would be seriously limited.

 

also what do you as the owners want from the woodland, write down a list, prioritise it, then see if you can generate income from your list. I would strongly recommend either speaking to a woodland advisor or at least speak to your local FC woodlands officer, and maybe do some back ground reading such as Ben Laws book on woodland management called "the woodland way" this should help you to clearly define what you want and give you some outline options.

[Frank]

I would speak to someone locally who does woodland management advice and can steer you to funding streams to assist with the woodlands and will know local contractors to market timber to and suitable outlets, I could reel of loads of grant schemes that may/maynot help with your funding but without walking the woodland and knowing the locations then the advice i can give you would be seriously limited.

 

also what do you as the owners want from the woodland, write down a list, prioritise it, then see if you can generate income from your list. I would strongly recommend either speaking to a woodland advisor or at least speak to your local FC woodlands officer, and maybe do some back ground reading such as Ben Laws book on woodland management called "the woodland way" this should help you to clearly define what you want and give you some outline options.

 

Some really sound advice there Charlie. Posts like that make this forum what it should be.

[Stereo]

Thanks. We are at the vague idea stage at the mo. I will get bens book. Was a big fan of the GD episodes he was in.

 

I think what we are looking for is a bit of a lifestyle change as our business involves too much time sitting at a pc.