Farming Monthly National February 2018 | Page 33

| Forestry

Free demo set to unlock potential for making smaller woodlands more productive

Estate managers, agents, forestry contractors and farmers are being invited to a free demonstration in North Yorkshire which will provide valuable information for the timber management of small woods.

T he small-scale harvesting and extraction demonstration will run from 10.00am to 4.00pm at Bolton Abbey, near Skipton, on Friday, March 23.

The event, to be held in Westy Bank Wood, 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 unor
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 undermanaged 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.”
“ A feature of the English landscape is the small woodlands of various types scattered widely over the countryside”
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
www. farmingmonthly. co. uk February 2018 | Farming Monthly | 33