ESTATE managers, agents, forestry contractors and farmers are invited to a free demonstration in North Yorkshire, which will provide valuable information for the timber management of small woods.

The small-scale harvesting and extraction demonstration will be held at Bolton Abbey, near Skipton, on Friday, March 23, from 10am to 4pm.

The event, to be held in Westy Bank Wood, is being funded and co-organised by the Forestry Commission, Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority and the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Ben Scotting, project manager for Yorwoods, said: “A feature of the English landscape is the small woodlands of various types scattered widely over the countryside. A significant proportion of this resource is not in planned management.

“In 2011, the Forestry Commission estimated that almost 500,000ha, or about 45 per cent of the total woodland area in England, is un- or under-managed.”

The ‘smallness’ of these woodlands is part of the reason for this lack of management. Forest structure and economics have favoured bigger machinery.”

Mr Scotting said that ideally smaller-scale equipment needs to have a low capital cost (minimising investment); low transportation costs and overheads; high manoeuvrability; ability to access un- or under-managed woodlands; flexibility to deal with different material sizes; and potential compatibility with agricultural equipment.

“Exhibitors will be showing a range of smaller-scale equipment and techniques to unlock the potential of farm or small woodlands,” he said.

“It will help attendees see how they can get the most out of their woodlands, give advice about small woodland produce, including woodfuel, and consider how low-impact, silvicultural interventions may help make smaller woodlands more productive.”

Those interested in attending are asked to book in advance by contacting Yorwoods/Rural Development Initiatives on 01765 609355, or email erica.spencer@ruraldevelopment.org.uk.