poplar plantation - what to do?

[campanula]

We are about to buy 6 acres of poplar plantation in north Norfolk with the idea of creating a woodland garden and regenerating a more mixed habitat for native flora and fauna. Naturally, we are sh***ng ourselves at the size of the job (we are old and crocked but have vigorous sons) and our general lack of tree knowledge (although we are skilled and qualified in horticulture, landscaping and general building). Yep, poplar is not the greatest timber but, otoh, we are not about to go stomping around destroying ancient woodland and can practically rip much of it out and start planting a more diverse range of trees and understorey. Still, feel free to jump in with advice or suggestions as this is basically a leap into the void for us.

[East Anglian landscaping]

Hi what sort of diameter are these pop and what is the access like

Thanks Tony

[Goaty]

Welcome to the complex world of trees.

Check this thread from yesterday

http://arbtalk.co.uk/forum/milling-forum/49040-up-200-tonnes-large-poplar-required-northamptonshire.html

 

Also research by typing poplar in the search option in the toolbar at top of page.

 

 

I suggest do the felling systematically, i.e fell furthest from access point to woods then replant at your pace even over many years if this is possible. Then what you plant wont get crushed by later felling operations. Also clear the felling work with the forestry commission, you will need a felling license probably from them as well.

 

If you set it up properly in an organised fashion it could be worth getting someone to sawmill it in to boards for fencing boards, again it was mentioned in another thread.

 

Determine soil type and location when choosing replacement trees.

[campanula]

Oh cheers for the response. Sorry to say I couldn't really estimate the age of the trees (they looked around 18inch diameter but I could be hopelessly off base with that - gods, I am sounding clueless aren't I?) There are 2 separate plantations - one looks a bit older and is certainly wetter, with many more fallen trees than the younger one across the meadow. Essentially, we are going to work out a feasible management plan, spend the winter reading like mad and, if we can afford to, take some courses. We had allotments for the last 10 years but developers are circling (there is no life without being able to grow things) and I am not sorry to say that I also have long term hopes for my children having an affordable home - even if it takes a couple of decades, land use is going to change in this country and, for people without capital, an affordable home requires some lateral thinking. Even if it is only a bender in the woods.