Woodland & Forestry
Forestry ContractingAcross Stafford& Staffordshire.
Skilled forestry work for woodland owners and estates — felling, extraction, thinning, restocking and ongoing silvicultural operations.
✓ FC felling licence ready · NPTC chainsaw certified · Fully insured
What is Forestry Work?
Forestry work covers the full range of operations needed to manage productive woodland: clear-felling and replanting, selective thinning, ride and glade creation, restock fencing and tube installation, herbicide application for weed control around new plantings, and ongoing silvicultural maintenance.
We work to UK Forestry Standard and the Forestry Commission's Operations Note 35 (working safely with chainsaws). Felling licences are arranged on the woodland owner's behalf where required.
Smaller jobs (under 1ha) are quoted fixed-price; larger contracts are scoped by area and timber yield.
Who It's For
- Woodland owners with productive timber
- Estates with mixed-age plantation
- Forestry agents and managing agents
- Conservation organisations with management plans
When It's Needed
- Plantation has reached economic maturity
- Selective thinning is overdue (every 5–10 years)
- Disease (Phytophthora, dieback) requires controlled felling
- Restock or new planting following clear-fell
What Happens If You Leave It
Working with cheap, uninsured forestry contractors creates real risk: machinery damage to retained trees, poor extraction routes that compact soils for decades, and uncertified felling licence breaches that can void grant funding. Doing it once, properly, is always cheaper.
Delayed thinning compounds. Trees compete for light, become spindly and structurally weak, fail to put on the diameter increment that builds timber value. Each missed thinning cycle costs years of growth.
Our 5-Step Process
Free Site Inspection
We visit, listen and assess access, hazards and surrounding structures before quoting a single penny.
Written Diagnosis & Quote
You get a clear scope of works, fixed price and method statement — usually within 24 hours of the visit.
Scheduled Visit
We agree a date that suits you, confirm the day before and arrive on time with the right kit and crew.
Safe Execution
Risk assessments and permits handled. Roping, rigging and cutting carried out to NPTC and BS 3998 standards.
Clearance & Sign-Off
All arisings removed (or chipped/logged for you), site swept clean, photos sent and invoice issued.
Why Choose RJ Hutchinson
FC-Standard Operations
All work to UK Forestry Standard and ON35 chainsaw safety.
Felling Licence Handled
Application and management on your behalf for over-quarterly volumes.
Sympathetic Extraction
Routes planned to minimise soil compaction and retained tree damage.
Timber Marketing
Off-take arranged with local sawmills and firewood processors.
Restock Capability
Replanting, tubing and weed control as a continuous package.
Documented Work
Volume produced, areas treated, photographs — all logged for FC and grants.
Forestry Work: The Full Detail
Felling Licences & Compliance
The Forestry Act 1967 requires a felling licence for removal of more than 5m³ of timber per calendar quarter (with up to 2m³ sold). A 10-year management plan approved by FC includes a felling licence as standard.
Working without a licence is a criminal offence and voids any grant agreements. We never start work without confirming licence cover.
Chainsaw Operations & Crew Skills
Our crew hold NPTC CS30 (chainsaw maintenance), CS31 (cross-cutting), CS32 (medium felling), and where appropriate CS34/35 (windblown and large felling). All operators carry first-aid kits and emergency communications and follow ON35 safety procedures.
Every job is covered by £5m Public Liability Insurance and carried out under method statements and risk assessments tailored to your site.
Forestry Work — Frequently Asked Questions
Do you handle felling licences?+
Yes — application and management included where required.
Can I sell the timber?+
Yes — we arrange off-take with sawmills, firewood and chip markets.
What scale of work do you do?+
From 0.1ha amenity thinning to 5+ ha clear-fell and restock.
Do you replant?+
Yes — including tube installation, weed control and 5-year aftercare.
What about deer fencing?+
Yes — temporary or permanent fencing as part of planting contracts.
Are you insured?+
Fully — £5m PL plus Employers' Liability.
Do you work to UKFS?+
Yes — UK Forestry Standard compliance as standard for all work.
Can grants offset cost?+
Often — particularly for restocking. We can advise eligibility.
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Ready For a Free Quote on Forestry Work?
Free site visit, fixed-price written quote, no pressure. Call directly or send a few details — most quotes back within 24 hours.