What Is Low Impact Forestry?
Low impact forestry is a practical approach to managing woodlands so that operations leave the lightest possible footprint. It combines careful planning, appropriate machinery, and hand-cut techniques where necessary to safeguard soil structure, watercourses and existing habitat.
Timber is harvested thoughtfully, with extraction routes designed to avoid compaction and rutting. Deadwood and veteran trees are retained for biodiversity, and works are timed to reduce nesting and bat disturbance. The result is resilient, productive woodland that continues to support people and wildlife.
Forestry And Woodland Management Services
Our team provides end-to-end woodland management for estates, farms, and private landowners. From initial surveys and plans to considerate harvesting and ongoing maintenance, we tailor works to your objectives and site sensitivities.
Using low-impact methods - selective felling, thinning, winch or skyline extraction where appropriate - we minimise ground disturbance while improving timber quality and access.
All operations are delivered by NPTC-qualified, fully insured arborists using regularly inspected, modern machinery, with waste responsibly handled and habitats protected throughout. We also manage permissions and liaise with stakeholders.
Woodland Creation and Planting
Tree Felling and Thinning
Habitat and Biodiversity Management
Timber Harvesting and Extraction
Low Impact Forestry Operations
Woodland Surveys and Assessments
Forest Planning and Consultancy
Invasive Species Control
Reforestation and Restoration Projects
Ongoing Woodland Maintenance and Monitoring
Reducing Soil Erosion and Habitat Damage
Soils are the engine of healthy woodland, so our operations are designed to keep them stable, porous and living. Pre-work surveys identify wet areas, springs and steep slopes; these are mapped and avoided, or crossed with brash mats and temporary bridges. We choose low-ground-pressure machinery, short extraction distances, and dry-weather working windows to reduce compaction and rutting.
On sensitive sites we use winch, horse or skyline techniques to keep wheels off the ground. Drainage features are protected with buffers and silt traps, while brash is distributed to armour surfaces and add organic matter. Post-work checks record any issues and trigger rapid remediation to prevent erosion, turbidity and habitat damage. Where necessary, we install water bars and reinstate compacted tracks.
Why Choose Our Forestry Experts
Choosing us means partnering with a qualified, safety-led team that treats your woodland as if it were our own. Led by Tom Vanstone, who began his arboriculture career in January 2015 and has worked across domestic, utility and training sectors, we bring practical experience backed by up-to-date knowledge.
All operatives hold City & Guilds NPTC certifications, are fully insured, and use modern, regularly inspected machinery sized to the site. You’ll get clear advice, transparent pricing and tidy, respectful workmanship.
We handle permissions, liaise with neighbours and utilities, and programme works around wildlife and access needs. The outcome is healthier trees, protected habitats and improved long-term value with minimal disruption to your day-to-day operations overall.
find out more about our services
Crown Reduction
Refine shape, reduce canopy weight and manage risk without sacrificing character. We plan every cut, protect growth points and balance the crown for better light, airflow and long-term structural strength.
Tree Bracing
Discreet, modern bracing systems support weak unions, storm-damaged limbs or veteran trees. We specify non-invasive solutions that reduce failure risk while retaining valued features, habitats and the tree's natural silhouette.
Low Impact Forestry
Sensitive woodland work that protects soils, habitats and access. We use selective felling, hand tools and low-ground-pressure methods where needed to minimise disturbance while improving structure, biodiversity and long-term resilience.
