Tilhill Forestry has successfully trialled an automated tree planting machine as the sector looks for practical ways to increase woodland creation, improve delivery capacity and support planting teams at scale.
The forestry sector is under growing pressure to deliver more new woodland, driven by climate targets, biodiversity recovery, timber security and the need for more sustainable land use. Meeting that demand is not simply a matter of ambition. It requires enough people, the right equipment and reliable establishment standards across a wide range of site conditions.
Tilhill Forestry, part of BSW Group, is now exploring whether mechanised planting can play a greater role in that mix. The company has trialled the PlantMax automated planting system, developed by Swedish company Plantma Forestry, to assess how it could support woodland creation and restocking programmes in the UK.
The emphasis is on support rather than replacement. Tilhill says automated planting is being evaluated as a complementary approach to manual, labour-intensive planting, adding extra flexibility where ground conditions allow. The trial sits within the company’s wider forestry operation, which spans tree nurseries, woodland management, harvesting and restocking.
Early results are promising. According to Tilhill, the PlantMax system has demonstrated an ability to plant consistently across a number of different sites at commercially viable rates. The machine brings together several establishment functions, including ground scarification support and automated planting arms with adjustable compaction.
That matters because successful woodland creation depends on far more than simply getting trees into the ground. Seedling quality, site preparation, drainage, terrain and soil conditions all influence long-term performance. Tilhill is assessing the system across a range of UK forestry site types to understand where mechanised planting can work most effectively, and where established manual methods remain the better option.
Harry Stevens, Forestry Director at Tilhill Forestry, said: “Innovation like this is a critical part of the future of UK forestry. As the demand for woodland creation grows, the sector needs practical solutions that strengthen delivery resilience while maintaining the highest establishment standards. We’re excited to explore how these tools can help our fantastic planting teams continue their excellent work, while improving outcomes in hard-to-reach areas and enhancing safety.”
The investment reflects a wider push to improve delivery resilience across the full forestry lifecycle, from harvesting through to restocking and long-term woodland management. With BSW Group support, Tilhill says it will continue to explore how new technologies can strengthen sustainable forestry outcomes for landowners, investors and rural communities.
Further trials will continue over the coming seasons, with Tilhill working alongside partners to validate planting quality, operational fit and the role automation could play in supporting the UK’s woodland ambitions.
For more info visit www.tilhill.com
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