Forestry businesses range from tree nurseries to harvesting contractors and tree surgeons, but they share two defining features: most operations on growing trees need a consent before work starts, and the fieldwork is among the highest-hazard of any sector. This path takes you through it in order: first work out which rules apply to what you do, then put the shared duties in place, then work through the consents and product rules for your operations, and finish by checking you have covered everything. If forestry is part of a farm business, the start an agriculture business journey covers the farming side.
Step 1 — Work out which rules apply
Identify what you do — growing trees and nursery supply, felling and harvesting, selling timber, or forestry support and tree surgery — each has different consents and rules on top of the shared duties.
Step 2 — Put the shared duties in place
Every forestry business must manage high-hazard health and safety — felling, chainsaws, working at height and lone working — keep work equipment compliant with certificated operators, insure its employees including seasonal workers, avoid discrimination, and handle personal data lawfully.
Step 3 — Get the consents and follow the product rules
Work through the sections for your operations: felling licences and restocking, Environmental Impact Assessment opinions, plant health registration and plant passports, forest reproductive material registration, UK Timber Regulation due diligence, protected trees, and pesticide competence.
Step 4 — Confirm you are compliant
Work through the forestry compliance checklist to confirm every obligation that applies to your business is in place.