Quickthorn

It's a shame, and shortsighted. I think a lot of it's when they get land agents or consultant foresters in. Contractors may be cheaper on paper, but they'll be in and out as quickly as they possibly can. Yet some estates manage to keep their woodsmen. There's one place near Sleaford where they have them planking up a lot of their felled oak, and stickering it ready to season, after which it's all used to maintain the estate cottages. They also manage to make a firewood business pay. It just takes a bit of imagination.

Good luck on the planting..it's the sort of work I quite like, if there's not too much pressure on. great weather for it now, although a bit miserable if you're the one doing it!