On the Ford and Etal Estate, around 650 hectares (1,600 acres) is given over to commercial forestry and amenity woodland from 6000 hectares (15,000 acres) of land in total.
The forestry department is responsible for the planting, thinning and felling of trees and the maintenance of fences, gates and stiles around the estate. Harvested timber is processed in our own Sawmill.
Most of the woodlands were planned and laid out in the early years of the 20th century and typically contain a mix of approximately 70% conifers (Scots Pine, Sitka Spruce, Norway Spruce and Larch) and 30% hardwoods (Beech, Ash, Oak, Sycamore).
Areas cleared by thinning and felling operations are always re-planted with a variety of species. By following a planned program of re-planting, we ensure that sustainable stocks of timber are available for years to come. Trees planted now will be ready for harvesting in 40-50 years’ time.
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