Exploring the future of woodland management
After welcoming members of the Royal Forestry Society (RFS) and the Institute of Chartered Foresters (ICF) to the Hadlow Estate back in June, we are reflecting on a day of valuable discussion, shared learning and professional exchange in our woodlands at Tudeley.
The joint event brought together forestry professionals, land managers and woodland enthusiasts from across the South East to explore the opportunities and challenges of managing mixed broadleaved ancient woodland in the High Weald.
Hosted in partnership with Silva Woodland Management, the visit focused on a range of practical woodland management topics, including proactive spruce felling and restocking, deer management, rhododendron removal, timber utilisation, woodland disease and wider land management across the Estate. The programme reflected our commitment to taking a long-term approach to woodland stewardship, balancing productive management with conservation and biodiversity objectives.
Despite some characteristically British summer weather – a far cry from the heatwave of recent months – the turnout was excellent. As one attendee joked, “We’re foresters – we’re used to bad weather.” Fortunately, we managed to avoid the worst of the showers and even enjoyed periods of sunshine during the woodland walk.
One particularly encouraging aspect of the event was the opportunity to showcase the Estate’s ongoing commitment to biodiversity and habitat enhancement.
During the walk, attendees observed common spotted orchids alongside other orchid species, as well as important ancient woodland indicator plants, including the wild service tree (Sorbus torminalis), a species closely associated with long-established woodland habitats.
A highlight of the visit was a stop within a woodland ride where recent ride widening works and the creation of scalloped woodland edges could be seen. These measures allow more sunlight to reach the woodland floor, encouraging the growth of wildflowers and low-growing shrubs. In turn, these habitats support a wide range of wildlife, particularly butterflies, dragonflies, damselflies and other invertebrates.
It was here that Ecologist Martin Allison spoke about the benefits of sustained monitoring and long-term ecological management, helping to demonstrate how woodland stewardship can support both biodiversity and landscape resilience over time.
The event also featured expert contributions on key forestry issues, including deer management and woodland health. Discussions around disease management, invasive species control and future woodland planning reflected many of the challenges currently facing woodland owners and managers across the UK.
We were delighted to receive positive feedback following the event. Christine Meadows of the High Weald National Landscape commented:
“I wanted to express my thanks directly to Kate Teacher for the excellent forestry visit to the Estate and the hospitality. Rick Vallis did and clearly does a great job and it is wonderful to have the continuity of biodiversity monitoring through Martin Allison.”
Forester, Rick Vallis said: “Many thanks to the Hadlow Estate for hosting a fantastic joint meeting between the Institute of Chartered Foresters and Royal Forestry Society.
“A group of 50 woodland managers and owners met to discuss a wide range of forestry and biodiversity topics being implemented throughout the Estate including timber harvesting, re-planting, ride management and deer control. Following a venison burger lunch, the thoroughly enjoyable day ended with a tour of the farm, orchards and biomass operation.”
Such feedback reflects the value of bringing together different perspectives to share expertise, discuss emerging challenges and celebrate good practice in woodland management.
At the Hadlow Estate, we believe that long-term stewardship relies on collaboration, learning and continual improvement. Events such as this provide an important opportunity to exchange ideas, strengthen professional relationships and explore practical approaches to managing and enhancing our woodlands for future generations.
We would like to thank Silva Woodland Management, the Royal Forestry Society, the Institute of Chartered Foresters, our guest speakers and everyone who attended. We look forward to continuing these conversations and welcoming visitors back to the Estate in the future.