Forestry and Management Services
Scotland’s Leading Independent Forestry Management & Consultancy Organisation
Forestry Management Services
RTS Forestry Woodland Management begins with understanding an owner’s woodland priorities, and continues with ensuring regular communication of the delivery towards these objectives on time and within budget.
We don’t believe in a “one size fits all” approach to forest management. Our management is structured around a personalised service defined by the requirements of the client. Whether those are for RTS Forestry to provide the full suite of forest management services or intermittent guidance, our service is tailored to meet these requirements.
Woodland Creation
Woodland Creation
Establishing New Woodlands Across Scotland
We deliver major upland commercial conifer plantations for Estates and investment clients through to working with farmers and crofters to diversify their landholding in less productive areas. We support the ambitious planting targets set by both Westminster and Holyrood and welcome the significant grant levels available to deliver on these targets.
Government Support For Woodland Creation
With the Scottish Government continuing to financially support the planting of trees through the Forestry Grant Scheme, there is increasing interest in the creation of new woodland areas, which can provide significant financial opportunities for landowners. This support is matched or exceeded within England.
Selecting the most appropriate ground preparation, fencing and tree stock minimises costs and delivers a growing asset in the shortest time possible. Our experienced woodland creation forest managers deliver these exacting standards on a daily basis.
Skilled Design Team
Our forest design team utilises the latest GIS technology and aerial imagery in combination with “boots on the ground” to design the right woodland and meet landowners’ requirements. We have extensive experience in negotiating with government agencies and can ensure that the permissions process is delivered on time and in keeping with the site constraints and opportunities before planting and associated works are implemented.
Grants And Legislation
At RTS Forestry, we are involved on a daily basis in the Scottish Rural Development Programme (SRDP). While the scheme is complex, advantageous grants for new planting and woodland management are available. Our team acts on behalf of a number of clients to access these central funds and deliver woodland improvement operations.
In addition to the grant schemes, a large volume of complex legislation impacts on the forestry sector. This includes the access regulations, planning regulations and legislation concerning working within designated sites. With considerable experience in all of the above situations, RTS Forestry can guide clients through the bureaucracy to a successful outcome.
Once grant support has been secured, the RTS Forestry contracting team can deliver the woodland creation to an agreed budget and timeline.
Paths, Roads & Fences
Paths, Roads & Fences
The maintenance and creation of a forest road are likely to be one of the most significant individual investments on any estate. In addition to the physical planning process, new roads and upgraded hill tracks often require Environmental Impact Assessment and negotiations with either the Forestry Commission or planning authority. RTS Forestry’s team can ensure that this process is as smooth as possible whilst also considering that the build road is fit for purpose and future maintenance costs are minimised.
RTS Forestry has constructed forest roads across many terrains including and for major infrastructure clients to exacting design and testing standards
We pride ourselves on constructing roads to the highest standards using materials best suited to the situation.
As specialist fencing contractors, we undertake thousands of metres of fence construction every year for agricultural, forestry and amenity purposes. We pride ourselves on sourcing high-quality fence materials which meet the owners’ objectives and ensures that the fence is erected to be compliant with appropriate grant specifications.
Environmental Contracting
Environmental Contracting
Invasive Species Control
As specialist rural contractors, RTS Forestry has undertaken a broad range of conservation contracts across Scotland. We have extensive experience in invasive species control, from Himalayan Balsam on construction sites through to Rhododendron control. In addition, we have undertaken thousands of hectares of invasive tree control on bog and peatland habitat restoration projects.
Peatland Restoration
With the launch of the Peatland Action Fund and Peatland Code, we have delivered several peatland restoration projects of scale for major clients and have developed industry leading expertise in this field. We are also heavily involved in accessing carbon payments through Peatland restoration activities
Public Consultations
To view our Public Consultations, please click here.