Recognised as one of the leading forestry management teams in Scotland, the Bowlts foresters are knowledgeable and passionate about their work. Our imaginative, flexible and personal service covers all aspects of commercial woodland management from planning through thinning to marketing.

Whether for estate, farm, investment or amenity woodlands, we can provide: • Total management from initial design through to harvest. • All work delivered on schedule and on budget. • A dedicated and highly experienced forestry team. • Preparation of environmental impact assessments/audits. • Hi-tech GIS mapping and survey services. • Help to identify grants and prepare applications. • Impartial market valuations and balanced investment advice.

Design and Planning...
                                          
At the outset of any new commercial woodland development, we will use sophisticated digital GIS mapping and 3D projections to establish detailed designs. We also have the experience and contacts required to co-ordinate specialist ornithological, ecological and/or archaeological surveys and landscape appraisals.

We are able to work with clients to identify appropriate grants and prepare applications. Our foresters are well informed and can cut through a maze of grants including the Woodland Grant Scheme, Woodland Improvement Grants, Farm Woodland Premium Schemes and Better Land Supplements. We will also complete the necessary negotiations with the Forestry Commission and other third parties.

Implementation...
                                  
We will co-ordinate every aspect of the implementation of approved schemes. This includes project management and budget control services. We will prepare detailed specifications for fencing, planting, and ground preparation and oversee the competitive procurement of labour, materials and transport.

Management & Maintenance...
                                                         
We will take responsibility for the ongoing management of any commercial woodland. Working with our clients, we define management objectives, prepare management and maintenance budgets, and establish an agreed system of monitoring and reporting. These specifics, and other important facets of the work, can be set out in a Long Term Forest Plan.

We will ensure that forestry operations adhere to legislation and that they are imaginatively integrated with other land uses - farming, sporting, conservation - and with other estate activities or objectives. We will also ensure that the forest infrastructure - such as roads, footpaths, drainage and amenity areas - is carefully planned and that the client's woodland insurances and inventories are up to date. Where required, we will oversee the administration of forestry operations including separate payroll, accounts and VAT returns.

Harvesting & Marketing...
                                                 
Harvesting is the critical phase - from commercial and environmental perspectives. We provide unrivalled expertise in every aspect of crop assessment, timber certification, timber extraction and product marketing. We can prepare stock inventories, harvesting plans and production forecasts. Our detailed crop assessments involve the use of visual inspection, measuring and aerial photographs. Our expert understanding of the crop ensures that clients know exactly what can be taken out to ensure the best return from the resource. Good communication with estate staff and excellent contacts with cutters, contractors, hauliers and mills combine to underpin safe and efficient extraction operations under all circumstances.

We actively monitor market prices and advise on how best to sell the timber in an ever changing market. Pricing and timing are the key - and the right balance between both will reduce risk and maximise return.

Investment in Forestry...
                                               
We are able to assist clients with the acquisition or disposal of commercial woodlands. We will complete detailed crop assessments accompanied, as required, by growth, yield and financial projections. Our forestry team can provide our clients with balanced financial appraisals and impartial valuations.