Forestry works and your safety

Forestry works and your safety

While forests are generally calm and quiet, when we need to thin or fell trees you’ll find a range of machinery and vehicles present. The sustainable timber from our forests is transported along forest roads to the sawmill where it can be processed into a range of products - many of which we all use on a daily basis.

If you’re out in the forest, you may come across signs warning you of forestry works. Sometimes routes have to be closed or diverted. Please follow the signs to ensure your safety, and the safety of forestry workers.

Three posters apologising for forestry works

Forestry machines and vehicles

We've come a long way from axes and handsaws. Advances in technology have provided us with powerful machines to make our work fast and efficient.

Your cooperation ensures everyone’s safety in the forest so please check below to find out how you can help during forestry operations.

Harvesters

Harvesters are large forest vehicles which cut down trees. These all-terrain machines have an articulated boom holding a harvester head. This is used to fell and strip the tree's branches, then cut them into logs, in one swift process. This is effortlessly done in just a few seconds – that’s how powerful they are. Find out more about the technology in our blog. 

Harvesting machine cutting a log in the forest.

If you see a harvester working please:

  • keep a safe distance – the machines have a large risk zone of 90 metres (8 city buses)
  • do not attempt to pass or interfere
  • be patient in allowing the operator to complete felling safely
  • follow all signage or instruction from the operator or forestry workers  

Forwarders

Forwarders are large vehicles that pick up and carry logs from stump to roadside. They often work alongside a harvester during forestry operations. They use an articulated arm to lift the logs clear of the ground, and can carry loads between 12 and 20 tonnes.

Forwarder machine picking up logs in a forest.

If you see a forwarder unloading on our forest roads please:

  • keep a safe distance
  • do not attempt to pass or interfere
  • be patient in allowing the driver to complete their unloading safely
  • follow all signage or instruction from the operator or forestry workers

Timber lorries

Getting logs from the forest to the mill is, perhaps surprisingly, a very difficult and dangerous job. 

Timber lorry being loaded with logs by an operator in a small crane.

If you see a lorry loading timber on our forest roads please:

  • keep a safe distance
  • do not attempt to pass or interfere
  • be patient in allowing the driver to complete their loading safely
  • follow all signage or instruction from the operator or forestry workers

Timber stacks

Timber stacks can be dangerous so please stay clear of them at all times to prevent accidents. Do not climb or play on stacks as they can become unstable and pose a serious risk of falling or injury.  

Logs piled on a timber stack.

Chainsaws

On certain sites, harvesting machines aren’t always the suitable or the safe option for felling trees. This can because the site might be close to overhead power lines or roads and buildings. Sometimes the trees or terrain may also be unsuitable for mechanical harvesting. In these situations, highly-skilled operators will fell the trees using chainsaws and felling aids. 

If you see chainsaw operators in the area please:

  • keep a safe distance
  • do not attempt to pass or interfere
  • be patient in allowing operators to finish felling safely
  • follow all signage or instruction from forestry workers

Learn more