Hire a Horse Logger
Horse logging is the extraction of timber using horses as ‘flexible power source’ with a wide range of traditional and modern implements. Horse loggers work through the whole range of timber produced in British woodlands; from small coppice poles and firewood, through thinnings in soft and hard woods up to final crop – large saw logs in soft and hard woods.
There are successful horse logging contractors working throughout the United Kingdom. They work on private estates, in our state forests, for the woodland and wildlife trusts, for our statutory agencies, national and local bodies and authorities, voluntary groups and for private owners of large and small woodlands.
Horse logging has considerable benefits. It is the ultimate low impact extraction system and is especially effective in sensitive woodlands. Horse logging allows for a highly selective sylvicultural management of our woodlands resulting in a high quality of woodland management and woodland care. Horses can extract timber effectively and safely through standing timber without causing any damage to the standing crop, compacting the soil, or causing damage or disturbance to the flora and fauna.
Advantages of horse logging
Services
Low impact timber extraction
Environmental benefits
Horse logging can appear to be expensive, superficially. It is highly skilled and complex work and demands a premium. When the quality of the work is taken into account along with the low impact, the lower reliance upon expensive infrastructure, such as stoned roads, and the lack of costly reparation, the cost equation evens out.
Horse logging is not an outdated and outmoded relic of a previous age. It is a vibrant and continuous tradition that has an important niche in contemporary forestry and does not threaten or challenge more conventional systems, seeking rather to complement and enhance those systems.
Horse loggers perform other important services in forestry. Controlling bracken, brambles and other invasive weeds, scarifying to encourage natural regeneration, moving fencing materials, tools and equipment as well as working in establishment.
The BHL have a range of Members offering Horse Logging services. Firstly our Professional Register gives access to BHL Committee approved contractors. Their application to the committee must be supported by a detailed portfolio of evidence including proof of current and adequate insurance, emergency planning, the completion of a competent contractor questionnaire and references for work completed.
The standard demanded is high. Those accepted have a proven track record over a period of years. This means that those on the Professional Register have demonstrated their ability to work to the highest professional standards and their work is recommended by the British Horse Loggers.
Secondly we have Working Members who are available for work but who have not applied or been accepted as members of the Professional Register and landowners using this list must make their own judgement as to the ability and experience of those listed.
Our Approved Contractors
Those accepted onto the BHL Approved Contractors Register have a proven track record over a period of years. This means that those listed below have demonstrated their ability to work to the highest professional standards and their work is recommended by the British Horse Loggers.
Steffi Schaffler and David Roycroft
South West Scotland
Kate Mobbs-Morgan
Monmouth, South Wales
Frankie Woodgate
South East of England
Kevin Taylor
North and Mid Wales
Toby Hoad
Dorset, England
Daniel Brown
South East of England
Andrew Whitaker
Perthshire, Scotland
Steffi Schaffler & David Roycroft
t. 07811 947878 / 07851 390378 /01387740945
David and Steffi are based in South West Scotland and have 3 horses working. We use a variety of equipment from the swingle tree, ulvins arch to the swedish forwarder. Other services include bracken bashing and horse drawn lawn mowing. We also carry out our own felling and advise on woodland management. Also available for shows. Firewood for sale locally.
Kate Mobbs-Morgan
t. 07986 337205
Rowan Working Horses is based near Monmouth, South Wales. Kate generally works through South and Mid Wales, up into the Midlands and down into the South West.
Frankie Woodgate
t. 01233 850860 / 07929 202963
Working Members
We also have many BHL members who can be hired for horse logging work.
Those shown below are full members of the BHL, however, this listing does not constitute endorsement by BHL. Potential clients may wish to obtain references as to experience and competence and to verify adequacy of insurance cover.
Will Hampton
t. 07592 004523
will@dartmoorhorseloggers.co.uk
Jonathan Booty
Park Farm Horse Logging
t. 07765 923762
Based in South Lincs