WOODLAND MANAGEMENT AND CREATION
Whether you are interested in planting new woods or hedgerows for sporting purposes, for carbon sequestration or simply because you want to see more trees on your land; have existing woodland in need of management; or are concerned about the risk that your existing tree stock poses to people or property - get in touch, because we can help!
NEW WOODLAND CREATION
We have extensive experience in the establishment of new woodlands as well as restoration and planting of hedgerows. We help advise on suitable locations, species selection, layout and grant applications - taking care of the whole process.
Get in touch to discuss your objectives for planting new trees, whether they are environmental, economic or a mixture of the two, and we can advise on the most cost-effective and profitable approaches.
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Assisting woodland design and layout
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Access to appropriate grants
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English Woodland Creation Offer (EWCO) advice and application
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Managing Woodland Carbon Code registration and auditing process
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Contractor engagement
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Management of site Health and Safety
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On-farm woodland, public amenity woodland, community orchards
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We supply trees, shrubs and hedging plants and protection
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We put in place, undertake and audit ongoing maintenance programmes to ensure successful woodland establishment
We also supply..
WOODLAND MANAGEMENT PLANNING
We offer everything from detailed woodland manage plans for sensitive Ancient- semi-natural woodland (ASNW) and SSSI’s, through to more concise plans for simple woodland improvements and to enable felling licences.
One-off visits are valuable to discuss and advise on your woodland management and to mark up your thinnings to maximise your crop potential for the future. We specialise in advising on how to improve your woodland ecologically, for game shooting and to maximise the potential economic return. Whatever your woodland needs, we can assist.
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Multifaceted and comprehensive woodland management plans
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Concise, operational woodland management plans
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Woodland Management and Improvement grants applications
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Ancient Woodland Restoration Plans
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Felling licence applications and assistance
“The woodland division at Oakbank has recently developed an excellent 10-year management plan for my woodlands. Approved by the forestry commission, it comes with all felling permissions required for its implementation. This plan will deliver my multiple objectives of enhancing wildlife habitat, shooting potential, income generation and making them more robust for the future. With the ongoing support of Oakbank’s woodland consultants, I am confident that these previously undermanaged woods will become far richer habitats and more valuable estate assets.”
- Richard Squire, Bassmead Manor, Staploe
WOODLAND OPERATIONAL MANAGEMENT
We can help you plan, arrange and supervise all of your woodland operations, including timber harvesting, marketing and gaining best market value, either through contractor engagement or negotiated or tendered standing sales, coppice cutting and fencing requirements, new woodland planting or young woodland maintenance needs such as spraying, replacing failed trees (known as beating up) or tube maintenance. We have a portfolio of trusted contractors and timber buyers that are ready to work for you.
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Marking of trees for thinning and harvesting operations
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Woodland Maintenance Management
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Invasive species management - developing plans and annual control programmes for Rhododendron, Himalayan Balsam and Oak Processionary Moth
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Contractor engagement and supervision
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Timber harvesting and marketing to obtain best market values
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Management of site Health & Safety and Ecological Best Practice
TREE RISK STRATEGY
Managing the risk posed by trees is an essential part of managing any land holding and we can advise you on the most cost effective and reasonable approach.
Implementing a proactive and defensible system need not be particularly onerous in terms of time or cost, but would prove invaluable in the event of a tree related incident.
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Guidance on tree risk strategy to suite your needs and tree stock
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Production of Risk Management Policy
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Carry out tree hazard inspections and provision of written reports
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Contractor engagement
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Management of site Health and Safety and Ecological Best Practice
Read our Tree Risk Strategy Case Study here.
"We are delighted with the assistance and service we received from Oakbank in developing a defensible tree risk management policy for our estate. We were keen to ensure that we had a long-term and fit for purpose process in place so that our tree stock is as safe as is practical and our legal duty of care is satisfied. We are now safe in the knowledge that our entire tree stock has been considered and, where necessary, assessed for defects and that subsequently all issues have been remediated. The ongoing tree risk management strategy is now clear and will be easy to maintain."
- Matthew Sigsworth, Cheveley Park Stud, Newmarket
ANCIENT AND VETERAN TREES
Ancient and veteran trees are beyond normal maturity for their species and are therefore relatively rare and incredibly important habitats within our ecosystem and our landscape. These structures require specific care, presenting a unique set of management challenges, which differ from conventional arboriculture, including the management of land surrounding the trees themselves and management to prevent structural failure.
We have a lot of experience in the management of these irreplaceable elements of our heritage and would be delighted to assist you in the management of yours.
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Guidance on sensitive management of these important structures and habitats
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Carry out inspections and provide reports and guidance for managing specific trees
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Parkland Tree Restoration and Future Management Planning for long-term retention and resilience
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Contractor engagement
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Management of site Health and Safety and Ecological Best Practice
FUNDING FOR WOODLAND PROJECTS
We have a very good understanding of the complex grant system and private funding opportunities and can assist you in securing key income streams for your woodland. Whether it be new woodland creation, woodland management plans or funding to restore and improve woodland affected with Chalara ash dieback or Phytophthora ramorum (larch and chestnut), Oakbank is here to help.