Woodland organisations

We also have lots of information on Scottish woodland organisations.

Small Woods Association

The Small Woods Association promotes the management of smaller woodlands and is very enthusiastic about helping new owners with the first steps in managing their woodlands. They organise a register of woodland initiatives promoting organisations that give information to woodland owners and those that provide training or run woodland-related businesses.

The SWA produces an introductory pack and has a useful magazine for woodland owners that it sends to members. For anyone buying a woodland who is not a member we at Woodlands.co.uk offer free membership for the first year. They also have a helpline, run courses and put on regional and national events and conferences.

Royal Forestry Society

The Royal Forestry Society is a slightly conservative but very active charity whose objective is to “promote the wise management of trees and woods”. They have over 4,000 members and have been going for 125 years. As a member you will receive their Quarterly Journal of Forestry, which is definitely worth reading. The RFS also organises walks, talks, study tours and outdoor meetings mostly about woodlands.

The forestry bias is changing as the RFS recognises the increasing number of woodland owners whose objective is not primarily timber production. For anyone buying a woodland who is not a member we join you up to the RFS's free trial year.

Forestry Commission

This is a vast government organisation with over 3,000 employees and it owns thousands of acres. The Forestry Commission is split into two parts – the one dealing with their own forests and the one that advises private owners. It is the latter which can help the woodland owner with advice, grants and useful information. Much of this woodland information is available on their website. The FC have recently become much more supportive of owners of smaller woodlands.

Badgers, Beeches and Blisters

A book about the practicalities of managing your own woodland. Available free here.

Woodlands Blog Articles

Fungi Fanatics - 4 September, 2009

Summer may well be coming to an end, but as the nights draw in, the temperatures drop, the long rains set in and the leaves start to fall, the woodlands... Read more

What Are Riparian Rights? - 15 August, 2009

I’ve recently had the good fortune to spend time at Gold Valley Wood, nestling in the rolling Brendon Hills where Devon and Somerset meet. In this area... Read more