Approximately 85% of the 12.2-hectare stand was affected, with trees blown in multiple directions and tangled across the site, a complex and hazardous environment for harvesting.
Recognising the urgency and the need for specialist expertise, the landowner engaged Euroforest, and the project was assigned to Declan Clancy, our experienced forester covering the northwest region.
Declan carried out a comprehensive site assessment to evaluate crop condition, ground stability, and safe extraction routes. Windblown sites require tailored planning to address safety risks and protect remaining infrastructure, such as watercourses and access tracks.
He then developed a bespoke harvesting plan, focused on:
Declan appointed a trusted harvesting contractor equipped with a John Deere 1070 harvester, ideal for processing irregularly positioned trees in complex windblown scenarios. The contractor demonstrated exceptional skill in navigating and extracting valuable timber from entangled stems, reducing wastage and recovering optimal product grades.
A John Deere 1010 forwarder was brought in to extract the timber, using low-impact techniques to minimise ground damage — a key concern on windblown sites where soils can be unstable.
Declan’s coordination extended to logistics, organising haulage in tandem with the extraction phase. Timber was transported promptly to local sawmills and port facilities for onward export, maintaining wood quality and minimising delays in the supply chain.
Despite the challenging conditions, the operation was a success:
This case highlights Euroforest’s ability to deliver results under pressure. By combining technical know-how, effective coordination, and trusted contractor relationships, we provide peace of mind and value to landowners even in the most difficult forestry scenarios.
Interested in how Euroforest can help manage your woodland — even in the toughest situations?
Visit www.euroforest.co.uk or contact our team to learn more.
