What is the importance of forestry and woodland in the UK?
Forestry and woodland play a critical role in the environmental, economic and social fabric of the UK. From providing key habitats for wildlife to supporting sustainable timber production, they are key to maintaining biodiversity and helping to combat climate change.
Trees act as carbon sinks which absorb CO2 emissions from the atmosphere, contributing to better air quality. Forests and woodlands also provide recreational opportunities, offering spaces for hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities that promote physical and mental well-being.
The industry plays a significant role in the UK economy, providing jobs and raw materials for the construction and paper manufacturing industries.
Case Studies
Forestry for Flooding Mitigation
Using natural means to slow water from entering the river channels and maintaining it in the larger catchment area before it has time to travel downstream and cause damage to rural and urban areas.
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Biodiversity, Habitat Management and Community Access
South Western Railway engaged Tilhill Forestry to assist with their plan to improve the biodiversity and community enjoyment of a disused portion of their train freight marshalling yard.
Read MoreKey Forestry and Woodland Services
Our skill sets extend from management of existing woods and forests, new woodland and forest creation through to more diverse projects such as agroforestry, communication masts, renewable energy, climate change mitigation, recreational site creation and nature-based solutions.
Our clients range from farmers, crofters and residential landowners to multi-national companies, NGO’s, Forestry Commission, Scottish Forestry, Natural Resources Wales, pension funds and financial investment vehicles.
Woodland Management
A well-managed forest can be an asset which grows in value as it enhances the environment, and they play a vital role in our ecosystem, providing numerous benefits for both the environment and society. Tilhill Forestry is the UK market leader in forest and woodland management and we undertake any aspect of woodland and forestry management in both rural and urban settings.
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Woodland Creation
Tilhill Forestry has the experience and knowledge to be able to guide you through the whole woodland creation process. From helping our clients to purchase the right property, to designing the woodland or forest to meet the owner’s specific objectives, applying for grants and carrying out any survey work, as well as carrying out the actual planting works and providing ongoing protection, maintenance and advice.
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Agroforestry and Hedging
Agroforestry is a land management approach that integrates trees with agricultural crops and livestock on farmland. Tilhill Forestry actively helps farmers to make the most from the many benefits of applying the process of agroforestry and hedgerow planting to a farm business, enabling them to gain from greater productivity and environmental benefits.
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Forestry and Woodland Investment
Tilhill Forestry’s Investment team provides an acquisition advisory service to clients who are considering purchase of forestry, woodland, land for commercial afforestation and land for natural capital objectives, with objectives varying from timber production, to achieving outcomes, such as biodiversity net gain or optimising carbon sequestration.
Learn MoreOur Specialist Skills
Tilhill Forestry has been planting, maintaining and management forestry and woodland for over 75 years. We specialise in:
- Planting including design and species choice.
- Preparation of detailed budgets, long-term plans to properly care for the woodland and identifying options for generating income.
- Protection and maintenance of young trees.
- Woodland restoration, harvesting and regeneration options.
- Improvements to infrastructure such as roading and environmental improvements and protection.
- Surveys and reports including Ecological surveys and digital mapping.
- Grant aid applications for England, Scotland and Wales.
- Woodland and forest certification.
- Management of sporting Licences and development of sporting infrastructure.
Resources
Forestry Commission
Find information and support on forestry and woodland creation in England, including funding to create woodland, legal requirements and best practice for sustainability.
Forest Research
Forest Research is Great Britain’s principal organisation for forestry, woodland and tree-related research. They are internationally renowned for providing evidence and scientific services to support sustainable forestry.
Learn MoreEngland Trees Action Plan
The England Trees Action Plan 2021 to 2024 sets out the government’s long-term vision for the treescape it wants to see in England by 2050 and beyond.
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