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We have a wealth of experience and knowledge in the design of woodlands; bringing a very personal touch to a timeless project. Many of our clients are privately funded, and possess a strong committment to improving the environment for future generations by planting woodlands.
We prepare applications for grant schemes and secure relevant funding from sources where available, which can often cover a large percentage of the planting costs.
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Establishment of a Woodland |
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It is vital that you decide upon the objectives first to reduce any mistakes and costs in subsequent operations. |
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With long term timber production having a reduced role in woodland planting in modern times; conservation, recreation, landscape enhancement, sporting rights and wildlife management all play an enhanced part. |
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If new land is to be wooded the main method used is the planting of young trees, these 2-year-old plants have a good survival rate (90%). |
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Meticulous handling of these plants is essential; rough treatment, desiccation, over heating or frost damage all contribute to failure. At HEC we take this very seriously work closely with our specialist supplier. |
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We appreciate that purchasing the trees is the major expense. However we strongly avdise that cost cutting will result in poor plant quality and long term problems. Paying a little more, for top quality trees will ensure a lower mortality rate and a higher growth rate. |
Woodland Design |
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Woodland will be designed with your exact requirements in mind; various techniques are used to help you achieve your aesthetic goals quickly. |
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Sharp unnatural lines and boundaries are always avoided to help blend the new woodland into the existing countryside. |
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Paths and open spaces are designed as part of the woodland to provide access for maintenance and more importantly, to help create a wide range of habitats. These features all help to contribute to the creation of a beautiful woodland area. |
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Species composition also plays a vital role in design. Tree choice is usually guided by local distribution, site and soil conditions. This does, however, give the designer and client great scope, for example Silver Birch or Field Maple is used close to dwellings to help blend the woodland into the garden and create a 'lighter' boundary. |
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There are numerous other design methods used to help create the woodland. A good design and management plan will ensure a succesful outcome - beautiful natural woodlands for the future. |
Maintenance & Environment of the Woodland |
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Maintenance includes 'Beating Up' (replacement of failed trees) and the control of competing weeds, essential in the early years of the woodland. Delaying, will extend the period of maintenance and subsequently increase the overall cost.
The adoption of high standards will significantly reduce long-term costs and allow the woodland to reach self-sufficiency much earlier. |
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The monitoring of the site is also a cost effective method of maintenance and is strongly recommended, in conjunction with the production of an annual report. |
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Environmental Impact Assessment: This is increasing in demand and is often a prerequisite for grant application on various projects. HEC are able to conduct E.I.A. on all industrial developments and tailor the planning application accordingly. |
Encouraging Wildlife |
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Wildlife is an important consideration when setting out the objectives for the new project. Certain woods for example, Ancient Woodlands with a continuous history are rare and valuable to wildlife and so their protection is of the utmost importance. |
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Simple conservation methods include restricting trees branches from certain parts of streams, habitat creation with glades and rides. This includes the mowing of the grass at the centres to encourage summer herbs, with the margins allowed to increase in size passing through the shrub canopy and finally peaking at the tops of the mature trees. Orientation is varied to create shade and sunny areas; this creates a large bio-diversity spectrum quickly which is desirable to wildlife and also looks good, which is desirable to us. |
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The over all aim is to increase and sustain, the variety of wildlife within the natural area, providing much scope for positive planting. |
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Wildlife conservation is a legal obligation under The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 & 1985; features must be identified, adequately recorded and mapped. This can easily be incorporated into the management plan and avoid any legal complication at later date. |
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Manage Woodland |
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Management of a woodland should be simple and have a low impact. These complex systems can take a long time to recover if poorly managed. However, they are also dynamic and areas out of management quickly respond to any input.
Ancient Woodlands in Great Britain can be traced back to the orginal “Wild wood” that covered the country. We take the view that, as humans, our time on earth is short, in relation and are mindful that our actions protect the woodlands for future generations. |
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