Behind Surrey’s Beautiful Woodlands And The Work That Keeps Our Forests Thriving
Surrey is one of the most beautiful and heavily wooded counties in England. In fact, according to Surrey Wildlife Trust, around a fifth of the county is covered by woodland, with approximately a quarter of these wooded areas classified as ancient woodland.
From the rolling Surrey Hills and the beautiful woodland around Leith Hill and Holmbury St Mary to the forests near Farnham, Haslemere and Dorking, trees are a defining feature of our local landscape. These woodlands are much more than attractive places to walk. They support wildlife, provide valuable habitats, store carbon and form an important part of Surrey’s natural heritage. Many of these woodland areas also require careful, ongoing management to remain healthy, safe and sustainable for future generations.
From the Surrey Hills to Alice Holt, Our Remarkable Local Woodlands
We’re fortunate to have some wonderful forests and woodland landscapes on our doorstep. The Surrey Hills National Landscape, formerly designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, stretches across much of the county. It’s home to a rich variety of woodland habitats, including ancient broadleaf woodlands, wooded valleys and areas of managed forest.
Further west, Alice Holt Forest, just across the Hampshire border near Farnham, is another excellent example of the region’s forestry heritage. Meanwhile, areas around Leith Hill, Ranmore Common and the Hurtwood demonstrate just how varied our local woodland environments can be.
Each woodland has its own characteristics, challenges and ecological importance. Some require selective thinning to encourage healthy growth, while others benefit from improved access, management of invasive species or carefully planned planting. This diversity is one of the reasons professional forestry management is so important. What works for one woodland may not be appropriate for another.
Native Trees Found in Surrey’s Woodlands
Surrey’s woodland habitats support a wide variety of native British trees, each playing an important role in the local ecosystem. English oak is perhaps one of the most recognisable, providing food and habitat for an extraordinary range of insects, birds and mammals. Beech trees are another familiar sight across parts of the Surrey Hills, while ash, hornbeam, silver birch and field maple also contribute to the county’s varied woodland landscape.
In wetter areas, species such as alder and willow thrive, while hazel is commonly found growing beneath the woodland canopy. Understanding the different species, their growing conditions and the challenges they face is an important part of responsible forestry.
For example, overcrowded woodland may benefit from selective thinning, giving healthier trees more space, light and access to resources. Elsewhere, managing diseased trees or encouraging natural regeneration may be a more suitable approach.
Successful woodland management isn’t simply about removing trees. It’s about understanding which trees to retain, which need attention and how the woodland can continue to develop naturally.
Why Surrey’s Ancient Woodlands Need Special Consideration
Some of Surrey’s woodlands have existed for hundreds of years. Ancient woodland is generally defined as land that has been continuously wooded since at least 1600 in England. These areas are particularly valuable because of their established soils, plants, fungi and wildlife habitats, many of which cannot easily be recreated elsewhere.
Managing ancient woodland requires a considered approach. Work such as maintaining rides, controlling invasive species and selective management can be beneficial, but activities must be carefully planned to avoid damaging sensitive habitats.
For woodland owners, recognising the ecological value of their land is an important first step towards making informed management decisions.
Professional advice can help identify appropriate work, any necessary permissions and opportunities to improve woodland health while protecting its natural character.Managing an area of woodland isn’t always straightforward. Whether you own a small private woodland, manage a country estate or are responsible for a larger area of land, knowing when and how to maintain your trees can make a real difference to the health of your woodland.
At Native Forest, we’ve spent over 20 years working in tree surgery and forestry, completing projects across Surrey, Hampshire and West Sussex. From woodland clearance and tree felling to planting and long-term woodland management, our experienced team has the knowledge, equipment and practical experience to help landowners care for their woodland responsibly.
What do forestry contractors actually do?
Forestry covers much more than cutting down trees. Professional forestry services help landowners manage woodland safely, sustainably and with the future in mind. This might involve improving the health of existing trees, creating better growing conditions, removing dangerous or diseased trees, or developing a management plan for an entire woodland.
Every site is different. Some woodlands need relatively little intervention, while others benefit from more extensive work to improve access, encourage healthy growth or support wildlife habitats.
The important thing is understanding what the woodland needs before starting work.
Experienced forestry contractors working across Surrey, Hampshire and West Sussex
As a local forestry and tree surgery company based in Chiddingfold, we regularly work with private landowners, estates and commercial clients throughout the surrounding area.
Over the years, we’ve worked on a wide variety of woodland and forestry projects, gaining experience in different landscapes, ground conditions and site challenges.
Some sites are easily accessible, while others require specialist equipment and careful planning to carry out work safely without unnecessarily disturbing the surrounding environment.
Our team is experienced in working on challenging sites, using modern forestry equipment and techniques that help minimise ground disturbance wherever possible.
We also understand that woodland management isn’t just about the work being carried out today. It’s about ensuring the land remains healthy, productive and environmentally sustainable for years to come.
What forestry services do we provide?
Depending on your woodland and what you’re hoping to achieve, we can help with a range of forestry and woodland management services.
Woodland management and maintenance
Without appropriate management, woodland can become overcrowded, difficult to access or increasingly vulnerable to disease. We help landowners assess the condition of their woodland and plan suitable work, from selective thinning and tree management to maintaining access routes and improving the long-term health of the site.
Tree felling and woodland clearance
There are many reasons trees may need to be removed, including disease, storm damage, safety concerns or planned woodland management. Our team has extensive experience in large and complex tree removals, including work in challenging locations where specialist machinery and careful planning are essential.
Woodland planting and restocking
Planting the right trees in the right places is an important part of sustainable forestry. Whether you’re creating new woodland, replacing trees that have been removed or planning a larger restocking project, we can help with planting and practical considerations for the future.
Forestry management plans and felling licences
Larger woodland projects often require careful planning and an understanding of the relevant regulations.
We can help prepare woodland management plans and assist with felling licence applications where required, making the process more straightforward for landowners.
Woodland ride and access maintenance
Keeping woodland tracks and rides maintained can improve access for people and machinery, while also creating opportunities for more varied habitats and vegetation.
Well-managed rides can make woodland more practical to maintain and more beneficial for wildlife.
Why local experience matters when choosing a forestry contractor
Working with a local forestry company has its advantages.
Having completed work across Surrey, Hampshire and West Sussex, we’re familiar with the range of woodland environments and practical challenges that landowners face in the area. We also believe that good forestry work starts with understanding the site and listening to what the landowner wants to achieve. Not every woodland needs extensive clearance or major intervention. Sometimes smaller, carefully planned improvements are the most appropriate solution.
Our approach is to assess each project individually, offer straightforward advice and recommend work that makes sense for the woodland.
Responsible forestry and woodland care
Woodlands provide important habitats for wildlife, contribute to biodiversity and can be valuable natural assets for generations. That’s why we take a responsible approach to forestry work, considering the wider environment alongside the practical needs of the landowner.
From selective tree removal to careful planting and long-term maintenance, good forestry is about achieving the right balance between safety, accessibility, woodland health and conservation.
Local Forestry Knowledge, Backed by Practical Experience
Based in Chiddingfold, Native Forest is ideally positioned to help landowners throughout Surrey, Hampshire and West Sussex. With over 20 years of industry experience and a wide range of completed forestry and tree management projects, our team understands the practical challenges involved in working with different types of woodland. From managing mature trees to working on difficult-to-access sites, we combine specialist equipment with hands-on experience to find the most appropriate solution for each project. We’re proud to work in a part of the country renowned for its beautiful woodlands, and we’re equally passionate about helping landowners look after them.Looking for forestry services near you?
If you’re responsible for an area of woodland in Surrey, Hampshire or West Sussex and aren’t sure where to start, we’re happy to help.
Native Forest provides professional forestry and woodland management services, backed by over two decades of industry experience, relevant qualifications and £10 million public liability insurance. Whether you have a specific project in mind or would simply like some advice about managing your woodland, we offer free site visits and no-obligation quotations.
Find out more about our forestry services, or contact Native Forest to discuss your woodland.
