Our Clients
Examples
of our work:
Elan
Estate, Powys – multipurpose forestry in a Wales upland setting
420 hectares of upland conifer plantation
and upland oak woodland on the flanks of the Elan Valley owned by Dwr Cymru –
Welsh Water. The woodland and
surrounding area contain several sites of conservation importance including
Sites of Special Scientific Interest, Special Areas of Conservation and Special
Protected Areas. Management combines timber production with informal
recreation, landscape and wildlife conservation. Under the Better Woodlands for
Wales scheme significant grant aid was secured for recreation, conversion to
native woodland and continuous cover forestry.
“On an estate
which has 400,000 visitors a year it is essential that all forestry work is
carried out safely and complying with all environmental guidelines. Andrew
Bronwin & Co has effectively achieved this balance whilst making a good
financial return.” Peter Jennings, Head Ranger
Llanover
& Coldbrook Estates, Monmouthshire – mixed lowland traditional estate
woodland
The woodlands are located in the Usk Valley
to the south and east of Abergavenny and total 312 hectares made up of
individual woods ranging from less than a hectare to 80 hectares. The composition of the woodlands is typical
of many Estates with a wide range of species both conifers and
broadleaves. Access is often an issue
requiring creative and cost effective solutions. Recent management has concentrated on the
improvement of the younger crops through first thinnings, cleaning, brashing, thinning
to waste and the control of rhododendron and laurel.
“With a number
of crops early in their rotation intervention at the right time is important
whilst maintaining the amenity value of the woods particularly the parkland.
Andrew Bronwin & Co has always ensured work is carried out to the correct
stage and completed to a high standard despite many challenges posed by
difficult access.” James Perks, Resident Land Agent
Ty Commins,
Powys – productive upland spruce forest
Three woodlands totalling 126 hectares near
Crickhowell within the Brecon Beacons Nation Park and the Black Mountains SSSI.
Spruce dominates with larch, Douglas
fir, western hemlock and redwood present.
Many of the stands are mature and there is an ongoing programme of
felling and restocking. This is being
used as an opportunity to respond to climate change by diversifying the range
of productive species and to improve biodiversity by opening out streamsides
and planting native broadleaves.
“Our woods grow
quality trees and over many years Andrew Bronwin & Co has effectively
marketed the timber realising excellent returns. At the same time we have been
able to fulfil our ambitions to improve the conservation value of the woods
through careful management of the sensitive areas.” Harold and Joan Lambert, owners
Pendugwm
& Gwern Feifod, Powys – lowland mixed woodland and upland spruce plantation
These two contrasting woodland areas are
managed for the same client. Pendugwm Woods comprises 68 hectares of mixed
woodland including 9 hectares of SSSI oak woodland. Recent management has
concentrated on the thinning of the productive conifer areas, the restoration
of areas to native woodland, and coppicing/thinning to waste areas of younger native
woodland. Gwern Feifod is 56 hectares of mainly upland spruce plantation
bordering the Berwyns SSSI. Recent management has included the conversion of 9
hectares of spruce into a habitat for upland bird species by creating a series
of pools within a mosaic of native woodland.
“My woods give me immense pleasure. It has been
rewarding working with Andrew Bronwin & Co and together we have diversified
the woods so that they provide a range of habitats with work funded through
forestry grants and good marketing of the timber resource.” John Blake, owner