Forestry
The primary objectives of the woodland at Buckminster are threefold: (a) to produce quality timber for the sawlog market; (b) to enhance amenity value through habitat creation and conservation, and; (c) to supply timber through thinnings for the Estate’s three biomass boilers.
Managing the woodland and trees
The management of our forestry is framed in a 20-year Woodland Management plan which gives a structured way to plan and organise the sustainable management of woodland, including felling and restocking of trees, identification of designated areas, and addressing the forest potential. Our estate-wide felling licence is built into our woodland management plan. These are up for renewal for a further 10 years.
We are always seeking opportunities to plant new woodlands or extend others. As part of ongoing management with some compartments being clear-felled each year, we aim to replant with a wide range of mixed broadleaves which help mitigate against the effects of climate change and diseases.
We support the European Squirrel Initiative which protects the red squirrels and controls the greys which damage younger plantations. We maintain rides and open spaces which provide a mosaic of habitats.
RFS Teaching Trees
We are delighted to be working with the Royal Forestry Society on their Teaching Trees project. Open to all primary schools in the Lincolnshire/Leicestershire area, this is a fabulous opportunity for children to take part in curriculum-linked sessions connecting them with local woodland.
Each session can be designed around a school’s own ideas and objectives. Click for more information on Teaching Trees, including sample session outlines.
Sessions are provided at no charge to schools: all you are required to do is provide your own transport and refreshments. If you are a school that is interested in booking a session at Buckminster, please get in touch.
Woodland Carbon Accreditation
All of our new woodlands are registered with the UK Woodland Carbon Code, which is a government-backed, quality assurance standard for woodland creation projects in the UK, and generates independently verified carbon units.
Countryside Stewardship
We have been successful in our application for a five-year Countryside Stewardship – Woodland Improvement grant with a primary focus on high priority woodland looking at ride creation and improvement, selective thinning, retention and protection of veteran trees and deer and squirrel control.
Managing dangerous trees
The management of dangerous trees along highways and the network of footpaths and bridleways in and around residential gardens and commercial properties is a high priority. There is a constant programme of surveys and felling trees and removing limbs that pose a risk. For the most dangerous projects, and those that require road closures, we engage the services of local specialist tree surgeons.
Get in touch
If you have any queries or questions about the forestry management at Buckminster Estate, please contact our Land Agent, Neil Fraser on 01476 860 471.
If you have an enquiry about forestry management, please complete the contact form below or get in touch on 01476 860 471 or email [email protected].