Cilwrgi Farm
Woodland can be a great way to improve environmental and economic aspects of the farm business. Our on farm discussion looked at the capacity to make this a viable on farm option.
How woodland management can improve the farm business.
This was a great opportunity to see woodland management in action, and to observe how it contributes to improving environmental and economic aspects of the farm business.
- Demonstration of management techniques by on farm labour
- Logistics of managing farm woodland from felling and extraction to handling and processing to add value
- Identify types of products the timber is suitable for and what local markets to sell to.
- Felling licence legislation rules & regulations
- How to secure a timber supply for the future and increase farm income.
Key messages
Our discussion started with a demonstration of machinery to fell and extract timber on a farm scale. The machinery, provided by Cilwrgi, included High Lift cherry picker, Woodmizer sawmill, Timber trailer, Forwarder for carrying timber from the woodland, 9 ton winch for extracting timber from the woodland, Chopper, Post Peeler and fence post processor. This demonstrated the suitable size and scale of machinery needed to implement appropriate management regimes within the woodland. Emphasis was put on identifying sensitive extraction techniques and removal of timber from woodland in designated areas.
Demonstrations included talks about their practical use, health and safety and training available with Chris Hughes from MWMAC.
Woodland management can be a way of improving the farm business by adding an extra income stream, however it must be emphasised the importance of putting a business plan together before going ahead with a farm woodland. It is wise to determine your capacity and availability to undertake the work yourself or if you buy in contractor time. It is also wise to look at hiring versus buying machinery on your business plan. Funding is available through the Welsh Government. A Woodland Management Plan template is available from the Forestry Commission advisory service this provides guidance on woodland intervention for the next 10 years, business planning advise is also available through this service.
Disease is currently a big issue larch woodlands are facing, Iwan Parry spoke on how businesses are having to deal with affected timber, there is a TREE alert website that any trees diseases can be reported to.
There is great importance in the marketing of timber and adding value to it, this was discussed at length and demonstrated through processing fencing materials. Timber supply, markets and different avenues for sale were discussed.
Take away message
Farm woodland can be a viable income opportunity, but make sure you take the advice offered by the Forestry Commission Advisory service and experts such as Tilehill, who can help with business and management plans. You need to have the capacity to either do the work yourselves or hire in contractors as like your farmland, woodland does need managing.
With thanks to our keynote speakers – Iwan Parry, Tilehill Forestry, James Hepburn, NRW and Geraint Jones, FC and Cilwrgi host, Richard Gough.