Estate managers, agents, forestry contractors and farmers are invited to a free demonstration in North Yorkshire this month which will provide valuable information for the timber management of small woods.
The small-scale harvesting and extraction demonstration runs from 10.00am to 4.00pm at Bolton Abbey, near Skipton, on Friday, March 23. It takes place in Westy Bank Woo and is being funded and co-organised by the Forestry Commission, Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority and the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Ben Scotting, Project Manager for Yorwoods, the Woodland Initiative for Yorkshire and the Humber, explained:
A feature of the English landscape is the small woodlands of various types scattered widely over the countryside. A significant proportion of this resource is not in planned management. In 2011, the Forestry Commission estimated that almost 500,000ha, or around 45% of the total woodland area in England, is un- or under-managed.
The ‘smallness’ of these woodlands is part of the reason for this lack of management. Forest structure and economics have favoured bigger machinery. Ideally smaller-scale equipment needs to have:
- A low capital cost (minimising investment)
- Low transportation costs and overheads
- High manoeuvrability
- Ability to access un- or under-managed woodlands
- Flexibility to deal with different material sizes
- Potential compatibility with agricultural equipment
Exhibitors will be showing a range of smaller-scale equipment and techniques to unlock the potential of farm or small woodlands. It will help attendees to see how they can get the most out of their woodlands, give advice about small woodland produce, including woodfuel, and consider how low-impact, silvicultural interventions may help make smaller woodlands more productive.
Those interested in attending – meeting point details will be provided – are asked to book in advance by contacting Yorwoods/Rural Development Initiatives on 01765 609355 for more information, or e-mail Erica Spencer at erica.spencer@ruraldevelopment.org.uk
