There has been a tendency for landowners to overlook wooded areas because there was no obvious use for them, and in turn they have low expectations of any worthwhile financial return. However, through changing attitudes and the introduction of innovative new accommodation options from Tree Tents International, things are starting to change.
Of course, woodland owners and forestry contractors can apply for grants to improve forestry productivity through the Countryside Productivity Scheme. However, woodland areas also have a high capacity to absorb lots of people and activity and there are many ways to make the most of them while still respecting and nurturing the environment.
Development should be sensitive so as not to destroy the natural habitat of the wildlife that exists there, and diversification and development should also be seen as an opportunity for enriching the sites, not just a making a profit.
Potentially profit making activities range from agroforestry to practicing survival and foraging skills, mountain biking, treetop adventure parks, wildflower tours, fungal forays, drone racing, paintball, and of course, glamping.
Accessibility to services such as water power and sewage may mean a restriction on activities, but these can be managed in an environmentally friendly way using natural sewage treatment, solar energy where possible and even boring holes to extract water.
An increasing variety of structures, such as cabins, hideaways and summer homes, offer imaginative ways to make the most of a woodland landscape and encourage people to grasp the opportunity to escape from the every day.
Whether light and minimalistic or dark and cosy, remote shelters can bring calm and balance and with the right concept, furniture, décor and atmosphere, even small or basic designs can become stunning sanctuaries.
Forested areas provide a unique and magical environment, but when choosing woodland structures it is important to consider that you will often be dealing with difficult ground that can range from flat to sloping. Choosing a structure that is suspended between the trees – such as a Tree Tent – offers a great solution. The flexible design of the Tree Tent allows installation in areas that were once believed to be economically unviable.
Structures that have been designed to fit in with their environment should use low impact products to provide shelter from the elements and a comfortable place to sleep, offering up the great outdoors on a plate and enhancing it. A Tree Tent that is positioned among the branches of a tree and actively moves with it mimics the structures that animals and insects may make for themselves. Eco-friendly recycled plastics and wood variants are used to replace the standard plastic injection mouldings.
Other eco-friendly options include timber structures such as the Gridshell made from sustainable ash with a marine grade fabric cover. Integrated clear skylight panels bring in natural light and allow for stargazing at night, and a fully glazed front entrance affords uninterrupted views of the surrounding environment. Built from timber laths woven into a diagonal lattice mat, they have no structural strength when laid flat. However, when formed into curves, the grid locks into a rigid shell.
Using remote or difficult to access land can generate income. Finding new ways to integrate timber products into modern, functional design is the ideal way to keep alive and incentivise good woodland management and use. Tree Tents International are experts in helping you make the most of your woodland, while protecting it for future generations.
For more information about creative ways to make the most of your woodland, get in touch with the Tree Tents International. Better still, you’ll receive £1000 worth of free upgrades when you quote ‘Glamping Mag’ before April 30 2017.
Tree Tents International | +44 (0) 1273 973 937 | info@treetents.co.uk
