Q. How do I know the correct trees will be harvested and the crop will be looked after correctly

A. Forwood are as interested in harvesting the correct trees as the owner is, as if the harvesting is carried out correctly, the clearfelling can be completed as quickly as possible

Q. Is there a profit from thinning a conifer plantation?

A. Yes, the profitability varies depending on the quality of the crop – Click here to view to returns from thinning and clearfell.

Q. Is there an annual fee to be a member of Forwood?

A. No – forwood operates on a commission of the profits from thinning and clearfell.

Q. When do I carry out first thinning?

A. On average first thinning is completed between the ages 14 to 18.

Q. How often are crops thinned?

A. Normally on  3 year intervals.

Q. What products come out of a first thin?

A. The usual products from a first thin are Pulp, Pallet and Stake.

Q. Do I lose control of my plantation if Forwood manages it with me?

A. No. Forwood works in conjunction with the landowner to achieve the best returns from the forest whilst managing the crop to best practice.  The owner remains in full control at all times.

Q. Do I have to replant the land after clearfelling?

A. Yes, this is the normal requirement of a clearfelling license.

Q. Do I have to do any work during thinning?

A.  Thinning is completed using harvesters and forwarders and there is no manual work involved.

Q. How long does it take to get a felling licence and how long does it last?

A. It normally takes up to 3 months to get a felling licence and it normally lasts for 3 to 5 years.

Q. How is timber extracted from the site?

A. Lorries cannot load timber on the county road so a layby or forest road needs to be constructed to get lorries off the road in order to load timber.

Q. Can I use my farmyard for access for lorries to load timber?

A. Yes. This is used quite frequently.

Q. What happens the butts of the trees that are harvested?

A. These are left to rot over time.  After clearfelling, the branches are windrowed and new plants are planted beside the harvested stumps.  This is normal practice for reforestation.