John Martin’s woodland management business needed a capital boost to improve the efficiency of his timber extraction work. Thanks to a grant of £5,800 from the Surrey Hills LEADER scheme, the company can now buy a new forwarding trailer and crane. The business will no longer be reliant on contractors to move wood hence minimising damage to the woodland and ensuring a steady supply of timber for the firewood element of the business.Based in Milford, Traditional Boundaries work with clients within a 15 mile radius. Materials are sourced from locally sustainable woodlands, mostly managed by the business. Their main areas of expertise are hedge-laying, bespoke fencing, advice on an area of woodland and firewood, kindling or charcoal. To optimise their supply of timber and reduce reliance on contractors they approached Surrey Hills LEADER grant scheme for investment. LEADER was able to award 50% of the costs of new equipment which will enable the business to extract timber without the need to hire in contractors. As the timing of coppicing is crucial to prevent the destruction of ground flora and coppice regrowth, the forwarding trailer and crane will ensure a much greater control for John over the scheduling of his projects.
The equipment will be fully utilised by hiring it out to neighbouring small woodland owners and contractors which will bring in more revenue and develop the management of Surrey Hills’ woodlands.