Flintshire Woodlands: Adapting commercial forestry to new environmental standards
Overview
Flintshire Woodlands Ltd was engaged to oversee harvesting operations and plan the next rotation for a 450-hectare upland Sitka Spruce plantation near Brecon, South Wales. The site required careful consideration of new UK Woodland Assurance Standard (UKWAS) requirements while maintaining its commercial timber production value.
Challenge
The key challenges included:
- Implementing new UKWAS species diversity requirements without compromising the commercial viability of the site;
- Planning on a complex upland site with varying soil conditions;
- Balancing the creation of a timber-producing forest with the enhancement of biodiversity;
- Coordinating multiple site contractors while maintaining strict quality control.
Solution
Flintshire Woodlands Ltd developed a comprehensive approach:
- Worked with experienced contractors Baden Powell Forestry and Pontrilas Timber Ltd to conduct harvesting operations;
- Ran a series of pre-commencement, active site and pre-completion checks to ensure smooth running of harvesting operations.
- Created a revised management plan incorporating species diversification based on productive capability of site.
- Identified areas better suited to broadleaf species and to specific conifer species;
- Established clear communication channels between all parties to address any issues and challenges in a proactive way.
Results
The project delivered significant benefits:
- Successful completion of harvesting operations within the required timescale;
- Development of a future-proof management plan that satisfies new UKWAS requirements;
- Enhanced biodiversity through targeted species selection based on soil conditions;
- Improved overall woodland resilience while maintaining commercial timber production;
- Efficient contractor management with minimal operational issues.
"This harvesting operation, working with Baden Powell Forestry and Pontrilas Timber Ltd, ran smoothly and very well. Potential issues have been identified and dealt with before they become problematic which has been helped by good communication. Work has been completed safely and efficiently in the required timescale."
Alastair Squire, Senior Harvesting and Forest Manager, Flintshire Woodlands