Effective management of land resources

sustainability-effective-management-of-land-resources

Facts and figures

  • Landmarc is a joint venture involving Interserve, created to manage The Defence Training Estate (DTE), covering some 120 sites, over 12 regions in the UK
  • By removing the reliance on foreign imports, this in-house operation is helping combat the inadvertent purchase of illegally-sourced or unsustainable timber and is reducing the environmental impact associated with long-distance supply
  • Thinning operations enhanced plantations for military training and the woodland is now much more wind firm and fire resistant

Why did we do this?

In managing the Otterburn Defence Training Estate (DTE) over 10,000 items of fencing posts, stakes and rails along with 80 tonnes of wood chip are utilised each year. This material traditionally is procured from local merchants.

How did we do this?

We identified the opportunity to utilise the natural timber resource on our doorstep. To meet and exceed new MoD sustainable timber procurement policy, instead of simply procuring FSC-certified timber, Landmarc has gone a step further and is producing, utilising and restocking timber in-house with its sustainable forestry operations.

Timber thinned from the plantations across the estate is converted into fencing and timber products by Landmarc meeting their annual needs. The quality and quantity of timber products generated enables DTE Otterburn to maintain its 30km of fencing in an entirely self-sustained and environmentally-friendly operation. The advantages of managing the resource whilst creating a better environment and facility were also realised.

Benefits

  • Direct production of managed renewable timber
  • In one year, the following were generated:
    • 10,000 stakes
    • 600 staining posts
    • 250 fencing rails
    • 80 tonnes of wood chip
  • Reduced carbon footprint locally and emissions associated with long distance haulage
  • Cost savings of some £1,000 per annum
  • Development of a closed loop operation
  • Enhanced training facilities

For more information email us quoting reference (sdcs 6610): sustainable.development@interserve.com