In February 2022, our team embarked on an exciting project at Killerton Estate, an 18th-century property in Exeter, Devon. This historic estate is owned and maintained by the National Trust since 1944. The estate covers an expansive 25.9 square kilometres, featuring historical sites like the Iron Age hill fort, Dolbury. The National Trust’s mission was to enhance the estate’s ecological balance by removing excess trees blocking sunlight from reaching the forest floor. Part of this enhancement was also removing overgrown vegetation that was crowding out smaller plant species and resulting in poor habitat diversity.
To complete the forestry clearance project at Killerton Estate, we harnessed the power of specialised equipment, each playing a vital role in the execution. The CAT 309, equipped with a tilt-rotator & tree shear, was the perfect machine to address the challenge of unwanted trees.
The CAT 309 enabled us to surgically remove specific trees with minimal disruption to the surrounding environment. This approach not only aligned with our selective clearance strategy but also reduced any potential ecological impact. By targeting only the necessary trees, we ensured the preservation of the landscape while creating a safe and welcoming environment for visitors.
In addition to tree removal, our robotic mulcher played a crucial role in managing ground-level vegetation. This efficient and remote-operated device cleared excess undergrowth and vegetation, ensuring a well-balanced ecosystem. The mulcher, with its precision and capability to handle even the steepest of slopes, was integral to the restoration of diverse habitats within the estate.
We achieved the delicate balance of project efficiency and environmental preservation by employing these specialised machines. The CAT 309 with a tree shear and the robotic mulcher, guided by our experienced team, ensured that the project’s objectives were met while respecting the natural world.
