Site and Vegetation Clearance Ecology Services
Knighton Countryside are site and vegetation clearance specialists, we have undertaken small and large-scale vegetation management works for over 30 years across the United Kingdom.
We have undertaken National Infrastructure Projects, building and development sites, construction routes, network rail sites, pipelines, industrial sites, wind farms, solar projects, agricultural land and even nuclear sites. We have also delivered to SSSIs, National Parks and in AONBs.
Good planning, timing and project management are key to site clearance specialist projects. The window between the end of bird nesting season and the start of the next nesting season is short, from the start of September to the end of February. So, once instructed, our focus is developing a project plan that incorporates a robust Risk Assessment and Method Statement. Our management team visits the site and establishes project constraints, the method of clearance required and where any waste from the project can be utilised. We strive to cut costs on projects and reduce environmental impacts by using and reusing timber, brash and chip, either as marketable commodities or as raw materials for enhancement works. All materials arising from the operation are documented to ensure compliance.
Large Ecological Contractor - Fleet Of Specialist Machinery
As a large ecological contractor, we are able to assist in developing methodologies that comply with all relevant environmental legislation while keeping project costs under control. Knighton’s teams are all trained in ecological mitigation work. Partnering with us ensures any clearance takes into account the protection of endangered species, control of wildlife and the preservation of rare plants, as well as other ecological and environmental issues. Knighton also has protocols in place in the event of finding hazardous wastes or invasive species, so you can be sure that your site has been cleared in a way that complies with current Health & Safety Legislation.
With a fleet of specialist machinery and a team of 50 directly employed professionals, Knighton Countryside Management is equipped to handle projects with tight deadlines and unexpected challenges. Our extensive range of equipment includes both large mechanised plants and lightweight, low-pressure equipment, such as the Heizohack chipper for mulching large areas, cherry pickers, skid steer loaders, tractors, along with numerous chainsaws, and brush cutters. We efficiently perform site hoarding, mitigation fencing and other enabling works simultaneously, reducing time, preparation and the need for multiple on-site contractors.
Our remote-controlled Predator Stump Grinder is perfect for clearing large stumps and our skilled teams can conduct hand-clearing where necessary. Additionally, we have herbicide-trained and certified personnel for both hand and mechanical applications, offering comprehensive invasive species removal and mitigation in compliance with all relevant legislation. With the ability to operate as principal or sub-contractor under CDM regulations, Knighton is adept in working with other contractors who may be on-site. We can act as a greenspace ‘one-stop shop’ through the project's life and even undertake the landscaping and reinstatement at the end.to critical information.
Recent and Ongoing Work
Avonmouth and Severnside Enterprise Area - ASEA
Knighton Countryside Management undertook approximately 60 hectares of site clearance work at the ASEA. This project involved everything from large-scale clearance using multiple tree shear equipped excavators to delicate hand-clearing in ecologically sensitive areas. For wetlands and other fragile ecological environments, we deployed low-ground pressure excavators to minimise impact. The project required rapid clearance of several large areas to keep the programme on schedule and we conducted over £900,000 worth of invasive species removal work, using our herbicide-trained and certified teams to ensure compliance with all relevant legislation.
Ash Dieback
Knighton Countryside Management specialises in dealing with Ash Dieback (Hymenoscyphus fraxineus). We have expert, highly skilled and qualified arborist teams with all the equipment needed to complete Ash Dieback clearance: Experienced equipment operators, excavators with tree sheers, stump grinders and for the removal of tree material. Knighton Countryside Management operates a range of wood chippers, from tow-alongs for smaller branches and debris up to our specialist chip trucks that handle and process whole trees in one go. Ash Dieback has been a particular problem on roadside verges throughout the country. Often, in these roadside locations, the work has to be done at night under closure. We have a specialist team of workers who all have Highways Passports and are able to organise and manage road traffic management operations.
Mechanised Clearance Management & Maintenance
Mechanised Clearance Management & Maintenance
Mechanised Clearance Management & Maintenance
Knighton Countryside Management operates a fleet of agricultural and specialist machinery equipped for large-scale clearance of vegetation on all types of terrain ranging from full-size and compact tractors down to self-propelled mowers. Our flail attachments are perfect for scrub clearance, including bramble, gorse and small trees and we have various attachments for grass cutting at different scales, allowing us to carry out effective and economical maintenance operations. We are able to carry out hedge cutting with tractor side-arm flail and excavator cutting options to suit all sites.
Multi-stage Ecologically Sensitive Clearance
Mechanised Clearance Management & Maintenance
Mechanised Clearance Management & Maintenance
Our teams of ecologically trained operatives carry out multi-stage hand clearance operations to mitigate the risks to protected species such as Great Crested Newts (GCN) and reptiles. We work with our in-house and external ecology partners to clear sites safely and pragmatically within protected species legislation. We often carry out this work as part of creating habitats for GCN and other protected species. See our Case Study on our website for the Woking Great Crested Newt Pilot Project, where we worked with ADAS and Woking Borough Council in partnership with Natural England on a groundbreaking and pioneering pilot project to enhance and create habitats for the great crested newt. All whilst minimising delays to significant building projects.
Tree Surgery Service
Mechanised Clearance Management & Maintenance
Tree Surgery Service
Our arboriculture teams are available for the removal and management of trees and vegetation that require working at height. They are able to undertake rope and MEWP (Mobile Elevating Work Platform) access operations for complex tree removal and management in sensitive and difficult-to-access areas where space is limited. Our tree surgery teams also carry out “soft-felling” operations to mitigate the risk of harm to bat species when undertaking tree removal. We operate our own “Cherry Pickers” (MEWPs) and all our equipment is LOLER certified and compliant. Our operatives undertake regular training to maintain their competency.
2/7 365 days of the year
There For You In An Emergency
At Knighton Countryside Management, we pride ourselves on being there when you need us, day or night 24/7 365 days of the year.
24 HR Emergency Call Out - 07557 550768
Knighton Countryside Management Offers
Tree & Vegetation clearance of ALL scales
Flailing, clearing & mulching vegetation
Grass cutting, herbicide application, vegetation management & maintenance
Ecologically sensitive clearance
Scrub clearance, including bramble and gorse
Wood chipping at all scales, including whole tree chipping and removal of all arisings
Tree surgery, soft felling, stump grinding (grubbing out if required) - MEWP and rope access
Hand clearance (chainsaw/brushcutter etc.)