Euroforest Limited was founded in 1991 through a management buyout from Economic Forestry Group plc. The buyout was led by key personnel and investors, with Ahlmark AB of Karlstad, Sweden, serving as the principal investor. However, Euroforest’s roots trace back much further, with a direct lineage to Forest Thinnings Limited, established in the 1950s, and later evolving into EFG plc during the 1980s.
As government legislation in 1988 brought large-scale tree planting to a close, the forestry industry began shifting its focus towards harvesting the forests planted after the World Wars. This transition created a growing demand for forestry services, positioning Euroforest as a key player in the timber harvesting and marketing sector.
Led by an experienced leadership team, including Tony Willis, Roger Cantle, and Keith Leech, Euroforest quickly expanded across the UK during the 1990s. The company built a strong foundation by servicing private forest owners and securing long-term contracts in the state sector. Its core mission—providing exceptional service to forest owners of all sizes—has remained central to the company's operations from its earliest days.
By 2010, Euroforest had achieved sales exceeding 1 million tonnes of timber per annum, a testament to its rapid growth and industry influence. As UK forestry matured, the company shifted its primary focus from thinning operations to large-scale clear-felling. The company’s annual sales doubled within the next seven years, surpassing 2 million tonnes by 2017. Today, Euroforest continues to process approximately 2 million tonnes of timber annually.
Recognising the need to diversify and expand its service offerings, Euroforest undertook a series of strategic acquisitions and partnerships. In 2012, David Symons was appointed Managing Director, ushering in a new phase of growth and diversification for the company. This period saw Euroforest evolve from a traditional timber harvesting business into a multi-faceted forestry services provider.
As a modern forestry company, Euroforest is deeply committed to sustainability. The company actively supports responsible forest management practices, ensuring that harvested forests are replanted and managed efficiently to promote biodiversity and carbon sequestration. Euroforest works closely with regulatory bodies and stakeholders to uphold industry best practices, including certifications such as FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) and PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification).
Additionally, Euroforest has embraced innovation, integrating advanced forestry technologies such as remote sensing, GIS mapping, and digital logistics to optimise operations and reduce environmental impact.
Euroforest serves a diverse client base, including private landowners, government forestry agencies, and large-scale corporate forestry groups. The company's extensive network and industry expertise position it as a market leader, providing competitive advantages in timber marketing, harvesting efficiency, and sustainable land management.
Compared to competitors, Euroforest distinguishes itself through its strategic acquisitions, strong financial backing, and commitment to long-term client relationships. By leveraging its broad industry network, the company ensures optimal value for timber producers while maintaining the highest service standards.
In February 2025, Euroforest moved to a brand-new headquarters located at Carlisle Airport. The new office incorporates a modern, innovative working environment designed to encourage and facilitate collaborative working for staff. This relocation marks another significant step in the company’s evolution, reinforcing its commitment to providing the best possible infrastructure for its team and clients.
Today, Euroforest stands as a leading provider of forestry services, offering a comprehensive range of solutions for forest owners across the UK and Ireland. The company aggregates and supplies substantial volumes of timber to the UK’s wood processing industry, ensuring the highest value for clients in both financial returns and service quality.
With a proud history and a vision for the future, Euroforest is committed to shaping the next chapter of sustainable forestry, ensuring that the forests of today continue to provide value for generations to come.
