Jointline prepared and costed a comprehensive civil engineering package for Forestry England’s Hoarthorns Woodland Creation project. The scheme focused on the construction of new forest access infrastructure designed to support long-term woodland management, timber extraction, drainage control, and future maintenance operations across the developing woodland site.
The works formed part of Forestry England’s wider woodland creation programme, delivering sustainable infrastructure within a sensitive rural environment while maintaining access, environmental protection, and long-term operational resilience.
The Challenge
The Hoarthorns Woodland Creation project required the delivery of extensive forest road construction works across varied terrain and environmentally sensitive areas. The scheme included over 1km of new forest road construction, stream crossing upgrades, drainage installation, culvert extensions, turning heads, and repairs to existing access roads.
The project presented several engineering challenges, including:
Managing ground conditions across undeveloped woodland areas.
Protecting watercourses during stream crossing works.
Preventing erosion and sediment contamination.
Delivering durable access routes suitable for forestry operations and timber extraction vehicles.
Maintaining environmental compliance throughout construction activities.
Additional requirements included the installation of biodegradable geotextiles, natural timber-clad safety barriers, rock armour revetments, roadside ditching, and culvert infrastructure to support long-term drainage performance and site stability.
The Solution
Jointline developed a detailed civil engineering solution aligned with Forestry England’s Civil Engineering Dynamic Purchasing Specification. The proposed works included:
Construction of approximately 1,012 metres of new forest road.
Excavation and compaction of road formations to required line and level.
Installation of Tensar SS30 geogrid reinforcement systems to improve ground stability.
Supply, placement, and compaction of 80mm and 40mm graded stone layers for durable all-weather access.
Formation of extensive roadside drainage ditches and grips to manage surface water effectively.
Construction of a reinforced stream crossing, including extension of an existing concrete culvert and installation of biodegradable geotextile protection systems.
Installation of marine-grade rock armour revetments to reduce erosion risks.
Construction of timber-clad roadside safety barriers in accordance with Forestry England specifications.
Upgrading of existing farm tracks and installation of additional culverts and turning areas for forestry vehicle access.
Localised tarmac repair works to reinstate existing access roads.
Environmental protection measures formed a key part of the proposed methodology, including downstream silt matting, controlled spoil management, and drainage measures designed to minimise disruption to the surrounding landscape and watercourses.
The Benefits
The Hoarthorns Woodland Creation infrastructure scheme was designed to provide Forestry England with a durable and sustainable access network capable of supporting long-term woodland management and future timber extraction activities.
The proposed works would:
Improve accessibility throughout the woodland site.
Support future forestry maintenance and harvesting operations.
Enhance drainage performance and reduce erosion risks.
Protect surrounding watercourses through controlled drainage and sediment mitigation measures.
Deliver resilient infrastructure suitable for heavy forestry traffic and changing weather conditions.
Integrate engineered access solutions sensitively within the natural woodland environment.
By combining specialist civil engineering expertise with environmentally conscious construction methods, Jointline demonstrated its capability to deliver complex woodland infrastructure schemes safely, efficiently, and in accordance with Forestry England standards.
