Barnshalloch Moor is a 70 hectare mixed woodland located near Balmaclellan in Southwest Scotland, with forest operations managed by DGA Forestry LLP. Species composition consisted primarily of productive conifers, predominantly Sitka spruce with some smaller quantities of hybrid larch and Douglas fir. The woodland owner’s primary objective was to create a native woodland, building upon the areas of birch, oak and Scots pine that were already established.
In June 2020, EGGER Forestry successfully purchased the first phase of felling after being invited to tender on the open-market. Due to exceptional operational performance in the first phase, EGGER Forestry was able to negotiate the second phase of felling within other areas of the woodland with the objective of removing all remaining non-native conifers.
Given that the owner’s choice was to utilise natural regeneration as the restocking method at Barnshalloch, a conscientious approach to felling and extraction was required to ensure that ground damage was minimised. Local timber harvesting contractor, S.A. Wrightson Forestry Ltd, were engaged by EGGER Forestry to undertake the operation due to their recognised experience working on sensitive clearfell and thinning sites. After establishing a suitable operational plan, the trees were successfully removed and extracted across carefully located routes in order to avoid areas of wet peaty ground. This allowed the forwarder to operate without band tracks which helped to reduce ground damage and compaction.
The minor public road leading to site was another constraint to be carefully managed due to its structural fragility and the multiple neighbouring residential properties. EGGER Forestry worked closely with DGA Forestry and Dumfries & Galloway Council to ensure that a Timber Transport Management Plan was established and this was adhered to at all times. JST Services Ltd were selected to carry out the timber haulage operation from the site as they have a strong track record of successfully working sensitive sites due to their professional management, conscientious drivers and suitable lorry configurations.
Client Feedback:
“All the staff at EGGER have been engaged and professional, and their contractors, S.A. Wrightson Forestry (felling and extraction) and JST (timber haulage) have been efficiently cheerful, courteous and careful in their work to fell and sensitively remove the timber. We were delighted with the result, and so re-engaged the same team for Phase 2 of the operation. Much appreciated.”
- Richard Cunningham and Mary-Ann Smyth, Woodland Owners.
Site Information
Operation:
Clearfell
Harvesting Contractor:
S.A. Wrightson Forestry Contractors Ltd
Harvesting Managers:
Alastair Taylor and Tom Roberts, EGGER Forestry Ltd
Client / Owner:
Richard Cunningham and Mary-Ann Smyth
Volume:
16,000m3
Crop Details:
Predominately Sitka spruce, with some hybrid larch and Douglas fir
Products:
Sawlogs to Glennon Brothers (UK) and Kerr Timber Products. Palletwood to James Jones. Chipwood to EGGER Barony.
