Expert urges quest for top quality

It is always easy to sell good quality produce - and timber is no exception. Landowners and foresters stand to gain or lose more than £150 a tonne by the quality of their product.

This is the message from Balfours' forestry consultant Stephen Habershon, who says that it is crucial to aim to grow good quality timber.

"Quality is often won or lost in the early stages. Often you see plantations where investment has been made in stock and land assigned to growing the trees, but then the crop is not managed," he said.

Stephen, who advises on woodland management in Shropshire, Worcestershire and Herefordshire, firmly believes that it is a waste of a valuable resource to grow a poor quality product on land capable of better.

Stephen urges any woodland owner to maintain their crops on a regular basis by good plantation management and early and regular thinning operations in order to maximise their investment.

"The difference between a poor timber butt and a good quality one might be as much as £150 per tonne or in some cases even more," he added.

"It is possible to achieve good quality crops with the right advice and financial input.ÊTiming of operations can be crucial."

* For further information contact Stephen Habershon at Balfours' Craven Arms office on 01588 674034.