Forest Engineering and R&D

We offer engineering solutions to difficult problems in the forest industry. From road and bridge design to app or widget design, we are committed to developing innovative solutions. We have completed various engineering projects and are involved in the development of various software and hardware packages that will aid foresters.

Current and past examples of forest engineering and R&D are outlined below.

Bridge construction

We managed the construction of a 30m span bridge over the river Tweed to allow timber to be extracted which otherwise would have had to be hauled through Tweedsmuir village. The project was part funded by the timber transport fund.

Timber transport Schemes

We have been involved in the Strategic Timber Transport Scheme (STTS) both as a successful applicant for funding as well as conducting a nation wide survey to identify the main exit points for timber haulage, which fed into the development of a programme to aid planning, road improvement and maintenance scheduling.

Tree topping

Scotwood Macdonald were part of a consortium looking at profiling forests by reducing tree height to reduce the risk of wind-blow. The technique and the machinery was successfully patented.

Deer damage in Sitka

We were involved in the long term study into deer damage of Sitka spruce timber. Trees were monitored from planting to maturity, before being felled and sawn, and the impact of deer damage was assessed through visual quality control and stress grading.