A FREE demonstration on small-scale harvesting and timber extraction from small woods takes place at Bolton Abbey, near Skipton, on Friday, March 23.

Taking place at Westy Bank Wood, between 10am and 4pm, it is 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.

“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 show a range of smaller-scale equipment and techniques to unlock the potential of farm or small woodlands. The event will also 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 attending should book by contacting Yorwoods/Rural Development Initiatives on 01765 609355 for more information or email erica.spencer@ruraldevelopment.org.uk.