How to put a price on woodland?

[Ryan]

I have been cutting firewood now for many years for my own use. Up to 60 cubic meters a year. I have made a few contacts over the years as I am always looking for trees or small woods for timber. Occasionally I have had to pay for the standing timber but its generally free and I have even had donations in the past for doing a good job.

 

Yesterday a guy contacted me through someone I previously got timber from. He proceeded to tell me he had trees that needed removed as he was building a house and erecting a large wind turbine. The company erecting the wind generator said it will not work efficiently due to the trees so he has decided they have to go.

 

Now the interesting part. I firstly asked him where he was at, Hes 25 miles away, not ideal but OK. Next what type of trees, about 90% Norway Spruce the rest mixed softwoods all about 18-20 years old. Finally I asked how many and his answer 10,000 spruce and a thousand or so others over maybe 14 acres.

 

I never have been involved in anything on this scale before and not sure if I should get involved. Had it been a couple of hundred trees, no problem. I asked how he was selling it ie by the load by the acre or what. He said he had no idea what it was worth but to come over have a look and we can come to some agreement. I cant go over this week as the area is under heavy snow so Im just trying to work the whole thing out in my head.

 

Im assuming 20 year old spruce will not be that big? I will need lorrys to transport it home which I can sort as I maintain a timber lorry for a local guy.

Is It too much for 3-4 guys with chainsaws to fell and de-branch or should I look into a harvester for a few days? I have access to a 6 ton excavator and have 4wd tractors and loaders but no harvester.

 

When the conversation comes round to price I will have no Idea!

[458 Lott]

Your gona need a felling licence for a clear fell your not gona get anything sorted till end of year

Last one I did the fc were so under staffed it took 20 weeks before I got licence

Where u gona plant the new trees?

Lots to think about

Good luck with it

Don't rush u will get in bother pick thru nice and steady

[Joy Yeomans]

20 year old spruce arent going to be that big, too time consuming hand cutting and snedding such small stuff you wont get your tonnage out, get in a harvestor

 

joy

[Ryan]

Your gona need a felling licence for a clear fell your not gona get anything sorted till end of year

Last one I did the fc were so under staffed it took 20 weeks before I got licence

Where u gona plant the new trees?

Lots to think about

Good luck with it

Don't rush u will get in bother pick thru nice and steady

 

I should have mentioned in my OP that i am in Northern Ireland an as far as I am aware and of course I could be wrong that a felling licence is not required for the felling of woodland.

[Ryan]

Just an update on this. I spent some time with the landowner today and had a goo look round the site. Its only 1 small field from a minor road with a good turning area. I backs onto the land owners yard and he said I can use the yard for a loading area. There is no major obstacles like drains to cause difficulty and all in all I was happy to go ahead with it. The trees range fro as little as 6" with the biggest being about 10" diameter and I can take as few or many as I wish. I am not committed to taking the lot and there is no time limit.

We agreed on a price of £5 per cubic metre. I think that would be about £300 per lorry load? Does this price sound reasonable?

[davetaz]

you may need felling licence

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/nia/2010/10/section/15

[Ryan]

Heres one of a few documents I found while researching this which states felling licences are not employed in NI. http://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/en/campaigning/our-views-and-policy/policy-ni/pages/vision-woodland-northern-ireland.aspx#.UWM3sKI3tkl I would like a definitive answer on this though.

Edited April 8, 2013 by Ryan

[davetaz]

You'd have to check with some body from DARDNI, but rthis link says new forestry act came in to operation in march 2013 with felling licences to be introduced in June! Better get your skates on!

Forestry Act | Northern Ireland Forest Service | Department of Agriculture and Rural Development

[Ryan]

I just came across that myself, as you say Id better get a move on. What are your opinions on the price?

[County 764]

£5 per cubic meter sounds fine to me and it should be easy to process into logs being small stuff. we are currently getting around £30 for small round wood that's delivered and paid for by the tonne which is the standard. Get a quote for harvesting and haulage (£/tonne) best way to go