Seeing the Wood for the Trees at the Boughton Estates!

BSc Wildlife Conservation and FdSc Countryside & Wildlife Management students took a trip up to the Boughton Estates today to meet Jonathan Plowe, the resident Woodlands Operations Manager. Of the 11,000 acres, 2500 acres comprises of well managed woodland including large areas of semi-natural ancient woodland and plantation forests. Students were able to see all phases of the forestry operation from planting to extraction (including a demonstration of forestry machinery) to processing. Jonathan expertly explained that the timber has to provide an economic return for the estate – this is primarily accomplished through standing sales of hardwoods (for example, felled ash to China), local hardwood firewood and the growing market for softwood wood chip. Students were fascinated to see how commercial forestry objectives assimilated aims for biodiversity, and very much enjoyed their hosts honest and entertaining commentary!