Any project, any scale, any challenge
When it comes to expertise in complex and technical forestry services, we set the standard.
Our depth of knowledge and resources means we can quickly respond to a range of harvesting challenges: from fluctuating volumes of timber and Statutory Health Plant Notices, to adverse weather, environmental constraints, operational changes, or regulatory complications.
This agility ensures even the most complex projects remain on track, and continue to provide cashflow for landowners.
Raw materials tracked through every stage of the supply chain
Our quality softwoods are sourced from responsibly managed forests in Scandinavia and Northern Europe. We have full chain of custody certification, meaning most of our products are independently verified by FSC® and PEFC™.
Designed with safety and the environment in mind
Regardless of the project scale or scope, we prioritise personal safety and seek to manage and mitigate the environmental impact of our work in the following ways:
Our structured method statements, training, toolbox talks, and on-site supervision promote safe, compliant working
Before any operation or work proceeds, we complete an environmental risk assessment and identify control measures required for significant risks including diffuse pollution, disturbance and damage to protected habitats or species
We guarantee that forests are left in the best possible condition, while maximising the return on timber
For added peace of mind, all our technical harvesting services adhere to best practice – in accordance with FISA Guidance on Health and Safety in Forestry and UK Forestry Standards.
Our services in detail
With operators throughout the UK, a proven knowledge of quality forest management, and experience of working in all regions, we lead the way in felling and processing trees.
This, coupled with our unique fleet of specialist machinery, optimises the return of timber and maximises the quality of timber products from each site.
To minimise risk in complex environments, we meticulously assess the different species of trees, terrains and soil conditions.
Our highly skilled and accredited professional Ecologists, Assurance Teams and Forest Management Teams also oversee each stage of the felling process.
Dick Brothers has widespread expertise and experience in thinning and processing operations, and the largest thinning capacity across Scotland and other parts of the UK.
From the outset, we maximise the quality of thinnings, by accurately selecting and removing weaker lower quality trees. This provides a better financial return for our clients, while optimising the quality of growth for trees and return on timber.
With over two decades of experience, we are acutely aware of the risks posed during thinning. To guarantee safety on site and improve efficiency, we use a hand-picked pool of expert operatives and a fleet of purpose-built thinning machinery.
Our on-the-ground team is also supported by a robust project and safety management support structure. We additionally work in accordance with FISA Guidance on Health and Safety in Forestry and actively engage with UKWAS audits to meet their standards.
We bring our clients a wealth of forestry knowledge and the largest extraction resource in the UK.
Our expert team are familiar with all methods of extraction: from forwarders, skidders, cable crane systems and terrain chippers.
To select the optimum method for each project, we undertake an extensive site examination, together with a tailored risk assessment. From these initial findings, we create detailed procedures for each extraction.
In addition, our experienced operatives understand the critical challenges posed by timber extraction in complex forests and woodland. This includes minimising the complexities of brash management, to create routes for extraction, protecting the soil, and providing safe exits to agreed extraction points, and ensuring we always meet the requirements for stacking at extraction points.
With over two decades of experience, our team also appreciates the impact of changing conditions on site, and how this can affect extraction.
By identifying, monitoring and managing challenging inclines on site, we’re able to harvest and extract timber on even the steepest terrain.
To ensure each project runs like clockwork, we use a hand-picked team of experienced operators and managers, who are aware of the risks of harvesting on steep ground.
We also continually invest in our harvesting fleet to ensure state-of-the-art equipment on every site. We are for example, the first company in the UK to operate the Ponsse Bison.
This highly-specialised £300,000 harvesting vehicle has a 16 tonne capacity and stepless gear change which automatically reacts to changing, challenging terrain.
As a group, we’re at the forefront of peatland restoration in the UK, helping to restore thousands of hectares back to its original state, improve biodiversity and re-establish peatland areas.
To provide our clients with ongoing support, we offer an experienced in-house team of ecologists and forest managers. Our carbon restoration business stream also specialises in peatland restoration.
While peatland sites have traditionally been expensive to restore, with little yield, we always aim to maximise the volume of timber harvested to help return on investment
Our unparalleled access to specialised peatland machinery and equipment means we can customise machinery with specialised tooling to optimise efficiency, increase capacity and react to changing conditions.
In keeping with our environmental policy, we use machinery with wide tracks for low ground pressure. We have also recently introduced tree sheers to our harvesters that enable operators to cut trees as close to the ground as possible. maximising tree usage and improving the ability to restore peatlands.
In addition, our operators are experienced in ‘Ground Smooth’, a process which flips the remaining stumps and flattens them by tracking over the ground with the machine.
Ultimately, this helps to level and smooth the site, bring the water table back to the surface and create high quality peatlands that can help capture carbon.
Wind power is a rapidly growing and efficient energy source. Yet, surrounding trees can disrupt the crucial wind flow needed for optimal performance. That’s where Dick Brothers steps in.
Our specialist windfarm clearance service is key to optimising efficiency. We responsibly harvest trees before construction, ensuring smooth and uninterrupted wind flow.
Working closely with landowners, agents, and construction developers, we leverage our extensive knowledge and experience to conduct site investigations and deliver full site clearances.
Our versatile machinery equips us with a wide range of harvesting techniques. From excavating in challenging wet terrain to managing brash and biomass removal, we adapt to the specific needs of each project.
Moreover, we consistently prioritise getting the best value for your timber. This commitment ensures swift placement to market while minimising on-site disruption.
