Westcountry Woodland and Tree Management Ltd

04/04/2026

The Forestry Commission has issued movement restrictions on susceptible sweet chestnut material to help contain the disease Sweet chestnut blight in South Devon.

Sweet chestnut blight: identification, reporting and control

19/01/2026

A nice project we recently carried out for a new customer in North Devon, who are having new boundary stockproof fences installed. We removed the old fencing around 3 large meadows. All trees in the area of the new fences were either trimmed or felled and then all of the scrub was mulched (chopped up finely and left on the ground to decompose and enrich the soil) to leave the area clear for the fencing contractor.

Then the old access rides were mulched to clear them of bramble and blackthorn to allow access for future maintenance.
The second phase of the works was to undertake a first thin (A first thin involves selectively removing some trees to reduce overcrowding and promote healthier growth), to the woodland plots that were planted approximately 20 years ago and left unmanaged. These works also included mulching very overgrown, tangled bramble and blackthorn to reclaim areas of wildflower meadow.

Looking forward to seeing improvements in biodiversity, the meadows and thinned trees flourishing, and woodland plots becoming a thriving habitat for wildlife.

20/10/2025

It's that time of year to remind everyone again of this! 🌳
Please take the time to read this and make sure you choose wisely if you need a tree surgeon.
Word of mouth is always good. The cheapest often isn't the best. Anyone knocking on your door out of the blue is a big red flag, so is anyone not willing or able to answer these questions or show evidence of their qualifications, insurance etc.
Please make your neighbours, family and friends aware.
Stay safe!

23/08/2025

Photo dump of some recent works we carried out for one of our customers.

14/04/2025

We recently transformed a customer's garden from weed-covered banks littered with stumps, which we ground out, to a sweeping lawn that has changed the whole look and feel of the garden. We also tidied the unruly hedge, which finished it off nicely.

Thanks to Beaver Teeth Services and Cornish Turf Supplies

06/12/2024

Please take care over the weekend. The Met Office has issued an Amber Wind warning due to potentially damaging winds associated with Storm Darragh. If you find yourselves with any tree damage or just concerned about the safety of your trees, please get in touch.

05/08/2024

From mulching to crown lifts, hedge trimming to stump grinding, community volunteering to emergency callouts, crown reductions to woodland management, free friendly advice to professional standard surveys, vegetation clearance to Hedgehog rescues on our days off, and entertaining the local stock and fowel!!

21/04/2024

We are really rubbish at posting works carried out on here, but we have been busy over the last few months.
Nice bit of work to get our teeth into for a repeat client in Devon.
Reducing a couple of dead Oak trees leaving dead monoliths for habitat.
Felling dead and dying Ash trees.
Grass-cutting paths and camping areas within the woodland clearings, ready for the new season.
Mulching an old access track that was head high in gorse, bramble and self-set trees.
Thanks to Jason at Elmstar Arboriculture & Grounds Care Specialists and Beaver Teeth Services

26/09/2023

As Storm Agnes is on her way, here it is again!!

Your friendly reminder that even a "little" branch can do a lot of of damage to you or your property.

It's NEVER worth the risk trying to sort out any damage yourself.

We're not touting for business, we are just very aware of the dangers and if we can avert one accident, then that's a result!

Please make sure you choose your tree surgeon wisely. These questions below should always be asked.

Tree surgery can be dangerous and should not be undertaken by anyone not suitably qualified and experienced.

Don't let yourselves, friends, family or neighbours put themselves, their property or anyone else in danger by employing a rogue trader.

If they can't answer these questions then walk away!!

QUESTIONS YOU SHOULD ASK AN ARBORIST

1) ASK FOR A QUOTE**
(a reputable arborist will always give a positive response)

2) Are you insured?
If YES. please show evidence of insurance – Employers’ Liability & Public Liability (recommended minimum of £5 million).

3) Do you work to a British Standard?
If YES, which one?
Should be BS3998: 2010 ‘Tree Work – Recommendations’.

4) What qualifications do you and your staff hold? (ask to see copies)
Compulsory: MUST have NPTC/Lantra Awards*** certificates for chainsaw use.
Recommended: Certificates for other skills and machines. Arboricultural knowledge e.g. National Certificates and Diplomas in Arboriculture.

5) Will you provide a written quotation?
If NO, reject the contractor.

6) Are you a member of a professional organisation?

Membership does not guarantee work standards but does show a degree of commitment.

7) Can you provide me with the phone number of a referee who can show me some of your work?
If YES, follow up the reference.

31/08/2023

05/08/2023

A timely reminder considering the weather!!

Please make sure you choose your tree surgeon wisely. These questions below should always be asked.

Tree surgery can be dangerous and should not be undertaken by anyone not suitably qualified and experienced.

Don't let yourselves, friends, family or neighbours put themselves, their property or anyone else in danger by employing a rogue trader.

If in doubt, walk away!!

QUESTIONS YOU SHOULD ASK AN ARBORIST

1) ASK FOR A QUOTE**
(a reputable arborist will always give a positive response)

2) Are you insured?
If YES. please show evidence of insurance – Employers’ Liability & Public Liability (recommended minimum of £5 million).

3) Do you work to a British Standard?
If YES, which one?
Should be BS3998: 2010 ‘Tree Work – Recommendations’.

4) What qualifications do you and your staff hold? (ask to see copies)
Compulsory: MUST have NPTC/Lantra Awards*** certificates for chainsaw use.
Recommended: Certificates for other skills and machines. Arboricultural knowledge e.g. National Certificates and Diplomas in Arboriculture.

5) Will you provide a written quotation?
If NO, reject the contractor.

6) Are you a member of a professional organisation?

Membership does not guarantee work standards but does show a degree of commitment.

7) Can you provide me with the phone number of a referee who can show me some of your work?
If YES, follow up the reference.