Our advice operates on a number of levels – from identifying initial purchase opportunities to the more practical day-to-day management of operations. At a strategic level, we undertake reviews of existing woodlands, prepare management policies for their development and source appropriate supporting advice and partnerships. On a practical basis, we take an active role in the management of woodlands, advising on planting, harvesting and timber marketing in the short, medium and long term.
Our knowledge of the commercial forestry market enables us to advise clients on the most suitable timings and methods of buying and selling woodland investments. In conjunction with a client’s other professional advisers we develop tax-efficient and flexible programmes to maximise the potential of woodland assets. We know most of the major purchasers in the UK and have an extensive contact list of interested parties, from private individuals to large institutions.
As the forestry marketplace develops, so have our services with tree surveys, forest certification, biomass and renewables. Some of the new areas of expertise have developed alongside the more traditional woodland management roles.
- Asset assessment and preparation of management policy
- Valuation, taxation and grant aid advice
- Planting and establishment designs
- Woodland maintenance
- Conservation and amenity
- Timber harvesting and marketing
- Sales and purchases
- Farm woodlands / biomass
- Arboricultural risk management / Tree survey
- Biofuels and woodfuel heating installations
- Forest certification
We declare our commitment to the UK Woodland Assurance Standard, which is endorsed by the Forest Stewardship Council ® (FSC ®). This commitment includes the protection and maintenance of the long term ecological integrity of the certified woodlands within the Smiths Gore Group Forest Certification Scheme. Monitoring results in respect of this are available on request. Smiths Gore clients who own woodlands are encouraged to join the scheme for both its environmental and timber marketing benefits. The Smiths Gore Group Forest Certification Scheme is currently undergoing reassessment by our external auditors SGS.
