Forestry Case Studies

Timber Harvesting – Cairngorms National Park

Cairngorms National Park

Balancing commercial timber harvesting with environmental constraints.

Brief

Bell Ingram has been managing a commercial woodland on the Cairngorms National Park, near Grantown-on-Spey, since 2011. Although timber production is the main objective, all harvesting operations have to take account of the rare flora and fauna species (specifically Twin Flower and Pine Hoverfly) within the woodland, as thinning intensity and coup sizes may have a dramatic effect on their survival. Forest managers have also been tasked with reinstating paths through the woodland after harvesting and installing new signage, gates and path network route information.

Process

Balancing commercial timber harvesting with environmental constraints can throw up unique challenges for forest managers who are operating on sites contained within national park boundaries. In this instance, close consultation with SNH, RSPB, Plantlife Scotland and the Cairngorms National Park continues to be paramount in co-ordinating management and harvesting techniques and timing of operations.

Outcome

The forest has won a number of plaudits including a Scotland’s Finest Woods Award. The site also hosted a seminar attended by representatives from the forest industry and environmental agencies to demonstrate good harvesting practices in relation to biodiversity. Going forward, close collaboration with local and national government agencies is the key to growing and harvesting good quality timber on this especially sensitive woodland site.

Our people

Jim Adam

Jim Adam

Associate
Forestry Management
Tel: 01224 621300

About: Jim is a highly experienced forestry manager involved in all aspects of forestry management: from preparing and implementing forest plans to forecasting timber production and developing public access initiatives. He specialises in devising and supervising sustainable planting schemes to fulfil each client's specific objectives. Interests: Forestry, Mapping & GIS Services, Woodland Management

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    Article posted on 02/12/2019

    Forestry Case Studies

    Woodland Creation With Protected Species

    Woodland Creation With Protected Species

    Professional approach to a challenging ecological project.

    Brief

    Bell Ingram’s forestry team were tasked with managing a large scale woodland creation scheme in proximity to an established golden eagle territory. Given the birds’ iconic status as one of Scotland’s ‘Big 5’ species – they have strict legal protection in Scotland – this was a particularly sensitive job.

    Process

    Full regard to the presence of the protected species was adhered to throughout the entire project with all operations managed accordingly.  A golden eagle foraging survey was conducted to identify areas to avoid.  During the golden eagle breeding season activities had to be managed to ensure minimal disturbance to the birds.

    Outcome

    Bell Ingram was delighted, as was our client, that our expert forestry team professionally and skillfully managed the creation of this new woodland. The conditions were challenging, but the project was delivered with minimal disturbance to the golden eagles.

    Our people

    Jim Adam

    Jim Adam

    Associate
    Forestry Management
    Tel: 01224 621300

    About: Jim is a highly experienced forestry manager involved in all aspects of forestry management: from preparing and implementing forest plans to forecasting timber production and developing public access initiatives. He specialises in devising and supervising sustainable planting schemes to fulfil each client's specific objectives. Interests: Forestry, Mapping & GIS Services, Woodland Management

    Get in touch

    We'd love to hear from you, use the form below to email me direct

      Article posted on 29/11/2019

      Forestry Case Studies

      Turning Deer Forest into Profitable Commercial Unit

      Turning Deer Forest into a Profitable Commercial Unit

      Road building project and negotiating access over the third party land.

      Brief

      Our client presented Bell Ingram Forestry with the challenge of turning a deer forest into a profitable commercial unit. The only access to the woodland was over third party ground which presented significant problems for timber extraction.

      Process

      Our expert forest managers were able to negotiate access over the third party land to access timber. This was not the only access issue, with over 4km of roads having to be installed over the property, created with 3500 tonnes of stone drilled from the site. Furthermore two 5m span bridges were installed allowing the site to reach its commercial potential. Our professional staff were able to manage other issues as they arose on behalf of the client including management of diffuse pollution, resolution of a plant health notice and implementing necessary measures to address wildlife presence in the woodland.

      Outcome

      A fantastic result was achieved for the client with a substantive increase in the value of the site and through the investment in infrastructure were able to sell over 60% of the standing timber.

      Article posted on 29/11/2019