Most of the afforested area was planted between the years 1951 – 1970 with the main objective being to create a strategic timber reserve, however objectives have changed with the increased knowledge of environmental awareness and public demand for more socially responsible practices.
The Crown Estate adopts sustainable management practices in the management of Dunster Forest. As with all the woodlands under The Crown Estate ownership the woodlands are independently audited and certified under the UK Woodland Assurance Standard (UKWAS). These standards ensure that forests are managed to meet a wide range of commercial, social, environmental and recreational benefits, according to best practice.
Management Objectives
• To increase the value of the woodlands through diversifying woodland structure and to promote long term sustainable timber yields.
• To maintain and improve on existing public access and recreational facilities and consider any alternative demands
• To maintain, improve and create habitats which are able to sustain a diversity of flora and fauna.
• To maintain and enhance the contribution the woodlands make to the landscape value of the estate and surrounding area.
To achieve these objectives The Crown Estate operate a continuous cover management regime on 70% of the forest area, this entails the transformation of even-aged plantations to create structurally, visually and biologically diverse woodlands.
Timber Production
The annual volume of timber harvested from Dunster Forest is currently around 4,000m³¬, largely from selective thinning/felling operations. Conifers account for 95% of the harvested volume with Douglas fir, Sitka spruce, Western red cedar and Western hemlock being the major species. Produce is sold to local manufacturers as well as sawmills and wood processing industries in regional and national markets.
The Dunster forest is estimated to absorb over 1500 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year from the atmosphere, with a total storage capacity of 107000 tonnes.