Woodland & Forestry
Sustainable WoodlandManagement AcrossStafford & Staffordshire.
From neglected coppice to active commercial woodland — assessment, planning and ongoing management to keep your woodland healthy, productive and biodiverse.
✓ FC-grant ready · Forestry-trained crew · 15+ years experience
What is Woodland Management?
Active woodland management is the difference between a woodland that thrives and one that gradually declines. Selective thinning, coppice rotation, deadwood retention, ride and glade maintenance, deer control planning and disease monitoring all come into a working management plan.
We work with woodland owners across Staffordshire — from 1-acre amenity woods to 100-acre commercial blocks — to plan and carry out the works. Where Forestry Commission grants apply (England Woodland Creation Offer, EWCO; Forestry Commission management grants), we can advise on eligibility and prepare applications.
Initial site survey is free; ongoing management is typically scoped over 5–10 year cycles with annual or biannual works visits.
Who It's For
- Private woodland owners
- Estate managers
- Conservation trusts and community groups
- Schools, scout groups and others with educational woodlands
When It's Needed
- Woodland has been left unmanaged for 10+ years
- Disease (ash dieback, Phytophthora) is suspected or confirmed
- Productive timber output is wanted
- Wildlife and biodiversity goals need active management to support
What Happens If You Leave It
Unmanaged woodland gradually loses biodiversity. Heavy canopy closes the floor, ground flora vanishes, regeneration fails, and one or two dominant tree species crowd out the rest. Recovery from a 30-year neglected state takes 10–15 years of active intervention.
Disease moves quickly through unmanaged stands. Early identification and intervention (felling diseased trees before pathogens spread) can save adjacent trees worth tens of thousands.
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
Healthier Woodland
Active management increases biodiversity, regeneration and resilience.
Income From Timber
Selective harvesting produces saleable timber, firewood and chip.
Grant Eligibility
Active plans qualify for Forestry Commission grant funding.
Disease Containment
Early intervention limits ash dieback and Phytophthora spread.
Habitat Improvement
Coppice glades, deadwood retention, ride management for wildlife.
Long-Term Planning
5–10 year cycles, scheduled works, predictable costs.
Woodland Management: The Full Detail
Components Of A Management Plan
A typical woodland management plan covers: site description and history; species composition by compartment; soil and ground flora survey; access and infrastructure; objectives (biodiversity, timber, recreation); proposed works by year; deer impact assessment; disease and pest monitoring; and grant funding pathway.
Plans approved by the Forestry Commission unlock significant grant funding (EWCO for new planting, woodland management grants for existing) and provide a 10-year felling licence covering planned works.
Thinning, Selective Felling & Continuous Cover
Thinning removes 20–30% of stems per cycle (every 5–10 years) to give remaining trees space to grow. Done well, it doubles the size of the final trees and produces saleable timber from each thinning.
Continuous cover forestry avoids clear-felling — gradual selective removal maintains canopy, regenerates naturally and preserves biodiversity. We're equipped and trained for this approach where appropriate.
Every job is covered by £5m Public Liability Insurance and carried out under method statements and risk assessments tailored to your site.
Woodland Management — Frequently Asked Questions
How much does woodland management cost?+
Surveys and plans: £500–£2,000. Works: scoped per visit, often offset by timber sale.
Can I get grants?+
Yes — FC management grants and EWCO for new planting. We can advise and prepare applications.
Do I need a felling licence?+
For over 5m³ per quarter, yes. A management plan provides 10-year cover.
What's the impact on wildlife?+
Active management increases biodiversity if done correctly — diversity of habitats supports diversity of species.
How often do you visit?+
Annual or biannual is typical for active management; less for amenity woods.
Can the timber be sold?+
Yes — we arrange off-take for firewood, fencing and saw-log markets.
What about deer?+
Plans include deer impact assessment and protection (fencing, tubes, cull recommendation).
Are you forestry-trained?+
Yes — NPTC certified plus 15+ years of practical woodland work.
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Ready For a Free Quote on Woodland Management?
Free site visit, fixed-price written quote, no pressure. Call directly or send a few details — most quotes back within 24 hours.