Latest News

Silvanus – Creating Woodlands for Happy Hens

Our Woodland & Countryside teams have been working flat out to plant over 100,000 trees as part of our ongoing partnership with Woodland Eggs.
This partnership started a few years ago, with Silvanus planting up chicken farms in the Southwest, and we were delighted when Woodland Eggs asked us to manage their entire planting programme for the whole of the UK this year. Farms have been planted up from Yorkshire, across to Wales and down to Cornwall.
Woodland Eggs came about after a farmer noticed how his hens preferred the shade and protection of trees.
This behaviour stems from the hen’s natural “jungle fowl” instinct to shelter under trees and protect themselves from predators. Woodland hens are more content to forage and roam, spending more time outside and ranging further making them happier, healthier hens which lay top quality eggs.
All the Farms were;
• Planted with trees which cover at least 20% of the range
• The trees are a mixture of fast growing and slower native trees which are indigenous to the local area
• The trees are planted close to the house to encourage the hens outside to range
• All farms are audited and approved by the RSPCA and conform to the RSPCA Freedom Food standard
It’s not only the hens who need looking after, all the newly planted trees on our farms need nurturing, pruning, weed control and guarding during their first few years of life.
For every pack of Woodland Eggs sold, the Woodland Trust receives a donation. So far they have received over £500,000 in donations!!!.
So next time you’re buying eggs, make sure they’re Woodland Eggs.

Glendale Grounds Management - Contract Award - Teignbridge District Council

GGM are delighted to have been re-awarded the contract to maintain all closed Churchyards throughout Teignbridge District Council in South Devon.
Through LSW, we have been maintaining these sites for over 5 years now and have been re-awarded the contract on ever occasion.

Jim Strang, General Manager for GGM in the Southwest says “This re-award demonstrates that yet again clients are choosing Glendale to manage their open spaces and after market testing their contracts Glendale still comes out on top, both in quality & price.

The contract involves monthly grass cutting and hedge cutting across over 20 sites. Glendale currently maintains over 120 churchyards & cemeteries throughout Devon & Cornwall for a number of different clients and we fully understand the sensitive nature associated with these sites and how to work respectfully and to high standards.

Sub-Contractors required across the Southwest and Wales.

Due to increased workload and a demand from our clients to expand our operating area, we are seeking to increase the number of sub-contract partners with the following skills.

BRISTOL, DORSET AND SOUTH EAST WALES

Tree Surgeons and Forestry/Countryside Services.

Experienced contractors required with NPTC tickets and relevant certificates required. Clean vans preferred. Professional approach to work and a passion for the environment essential.

All subcontractors will be fully vetted with references taken up. Please call our Launceston office on 01566-772-802 or e-mail info@silvanus-services.co.uk and ask for a sub-contractors pack.

Silvanus –Framework Award for Countryside Management – The Environment Agency

We are delighted to have been awarded a place on the Framework of approved contractors to the Environment Agency across the Southwest. Silvanus have been working for the EA in Somerset and Dorset for the last 4 years and so we are really pleased that we have extended this relationship with the award additional works in Devon, Cornwall and South Wales.

The Framework is for the provision of tree, bush and shrub management services covering both on banks and in-channel works in various watercourses. There were a total of seven contractors who bid for the works.
Initial values for the works are around £200,000 per annum with the award criteria being 60% on price and 40% on quality.

Jon Eglin starts as New Arb Manager in Bristol.

We are delighted that Jon Eglin has started work for Silvanus as the New Arboriculture Manager in the Bristol Office.
Jon joins us from Bartletts where he was their Arb Manager in Bristol for over 10 years.

Terry Doyle, Assistant Regional Director for the Southwest & South Wales said “We are delighted to have brought Jon into Silvanus. Jon has a large amount of experience in the industry and has a wealth of local knowledge of the Bristol area”. “Jon re-joins Silvanus having worked for us years ago when we were part of the Silvanus Trust and it’s great to have him back”.

Jon joins Terry O, Mike, Debs and the teams at our Bristol office and will oversee the Treeworks and Bristol Estates Management business offering tree surgery, inspections & reports, woodland management, invasive weed control, PRoW maintenance and fencing across the wider Avon areas.

Jon can be contacted on 07970-668-829 or 01275-464-466 so give him a call and help him to bag his first order with Silvanus!!!

Glendale Grounds Management - Framework Award for Grounds Maintenence - Devon County Council

GGM are delighted to have been awarded a place on the Framework of approved contractors to Devon County Council across Devon & Somerset.

The Framework is for the provision of grounds maintenance services for Council owned premises and involves all aspects of grounds maintenance, inc grass cutting, sport pitch maintenance, shrub bed maintenance and tree works

Silvanus are already approved suppliers to DCC for Invasive Weed Control, Public Rights of Way Maintenance and Tree Surgery and so this award now means that DCC have a one-stop-shop for all their land management requirements through Glendale companies in the Southwest. 

Silvanus - In the "fence" line of fire!!!

Our Woodland & Countryside Teams out of Bristol & Newbury have started preparations for the installation of over 2500 lms of stock fencing across the firing ranges of the MOD training establishment on Salibury Plain.

The MOD practice live firing on the Plain 340 days a year and so we only have a three week window, over Christmas to get in and remove over 6000m2 of scrub and install the fencing.

Julian, Mike and the team have put alot of effort into the prep work to ensure that the whole project will run a smoothly as possible

Silvanus have been working for a number of MOD establishments across the southwest, from Salisbury down to Weymouth, across to Penhale, Cornwall and up to South East Wales and carry our services on their rural estates, including, vegetation and woodland management, invasive weed control, fencing, beach cleaning, grass cutting and tree surgery.

For more information on Countryside & Woodland services, please call our Exeter office on 01392-444-432 and ask for your nearest office.

Focus on Safety – Working on Slopes

Silvanus recognises that within our industry working on slopes and banks poses a major hazard to the safety of those operating machines be they pedestrian or ride-on. We are also aware that there have been some highly publicised accidents and even fatalities carrying out this work and so we have worked hard to ensure that our staff are as safe as possible whilst working on behalf of our clients.

Prior to starting any work, we complete a site specific risk assessment, which includes a slope assessment, and all staff are made aware of and expected to adhere to these assessments. During these assessments readings are taken to ascertain the average angle of the bank along with its characteristics and any potential hazards associated with working on it, from this a decision can be made as to the best equipment for the job.As most ride on mowers can only work safely on slopes of 15 degrees or less we have a number of innovative pieces of kit available throughout the southwest that clients can benefit from that ensure safety is a top priority when planning work.
Deltrak Remote Controlled Mower

Based in Devon, with easy access into Cornwall & Somerset, these machines are now available and working across the southwest on Silvanus sites. They are the safest way to cut slopes and banks as it ensure that the operator is nowhere near the machine or even on the bank, they can safely cut up to 50 degrees!! The Deltrak is at the “cutting edge” of technology in the land management sector and takes the safety of our staff to another level all together and are a far safer alternative to the double wheeled Ferris which will work upto 40 degrees, but has to have an operator walking behind it, holding on!!!

AEBI Mountain Tractor

Based in Devon & Bristol, these machines are multi-purpose power units with all-terrain capability and are excellent for steep slope works. They have the facility to "bolt-on" a variety of attachments to the front, including mower, grass seed spreader, sprayer and cultivator. Reliable, versatile, stable and safe they ensure that our staff can operate a number of large-scale operations for clients -anywhere.

These machines are available at excellent rates and ensures maximum safety for staff, clients and member of the public whilst on your land!!! Naturally we have the usual kit, such as strimmers, pedestrian movers, ride on mowers and tractor mounted equipment. We also have experience of working with ground anchors and rope access work where the terrain is too extreme for machinery.

Please give us a call to discuss safe working practices and where you could benefit from a Silvanus solution.
 

Watch out ! There’s a killer in the woods

Relax your not under threat; it’s the woodlands themselves.

The killer is an invasive, forest-destroying disease known as Sudden Oak Death (Phytophthora ramorum), the disease affects a broad range of woody plants, and is particularly lethal to our native oaks, and is now spreading into Larch. The disease was first found in the UK in 2002, during 2009 at a site in Cornwall, testing confirmed Phytophthora ramorum present in Rhododendron in the under storey of mature woodland. Since the discovery of this attractive plants role as a host to this deadly disease,  rhododendron has received much press and a concerted effort is being made to control and eradicate it. 

Silvanus Services have been involved in rhododendron control for a number of years in the west country and have been involved in clearing rhododendron on infected and non infected sites. Silvanus Services were involved in the mechanical removal of the plant on infected sites at the National Trust property Trengwainton house and gardens and more recently for the Bolitho Estate nearby at Madron; where over 45Ha has been scheduled for treatment over the next 3 years.  On these infected sites the plant must be cut manually as machines are unable to be used effectively on the sites, the stumps must be treated with chemical (usually a glyphosate based herbicide) and all arisings burned onsite.  There are strict bio security measures in place where all equipment, vehicles and clothing (particularly boots) must be disinfected to prevent contamination of other sites.

Defra, Natural England and the Forestry Commission have developed funding streams to assist landowners in tackling the plant –  Defra ( FERA) and Natural England concentrating on diseased sites whilst funding to control it prior to infection can be found within the Forestry Commission’s Woodland Improvement Grant.

Prior to the association with Phytophthora, rhododendron was cleared on a variety of sites due to its domination of the under-storey of woodlands making any management challenging and severely restricting the natural regeneration of native or desirable species.  It is unpalatable to herbivores, causes dense shade, spreads profusely by seed and vegetatively and may have a negative biochemical influence effect on other plants.  The ultimate density if left unchecked can leave woodlands and open ground impassable to animals and those of us wishing to enjoy the woodland.

Silvanus Services have been involved in clearing rhododendron on infected and non infected sites and are experienced in the various methods required for each.
We were involved in the mechanical removal of the plant on infected sites at the National Trust property Trengwainton house and gardens and more recently for a large estate nearby at Madron where over 45Ha has been scheduled for treatment over the next 3 years.  On these infected sites the plant must be cut manually as machines are unable to be used effectively on the sites, the stumps must be treated with chemical (usually a glyphosate based herbicide) and all arisings burned onsite.  There are strict bio security measures in place where all equipment, vehicles and clothing (particularly boots) must be disinfected to prevent contamination of other sites.

We have also worked for Natural England in the clearance of non infected sites within the China Clay Woodland Project area near St Austell.  Steep, challenging sites using chainsaws and herbicide application methods.  Silvanus Services also carried out organic removal of rhododendron to reduce the risk of Phytophthora spread on a SSSI site in Exmoor National Park, this necessitated the complete removal of the plant, including roots. Using either hand tools or winches depending on access and size of plants (from seedlings to huge bushes). The inevitable re-growth from roots that have been snapped is then dealt with again by cutting or pulling.

Other methods employed have included drilling and stem injection.  Used solely on uninfected sites it is a labour intensive though very effective method- regrowth is limited but attention must be paid to make sure every stem of the plant is treated to achieve maximum effectiveness. It is crucial that on all these sites follow up herbicide treatments are carried out (usually for 3 years) as within a few years the site can easily re-colonised. 

Silvanus Services have carried out a huge amount of work on rhododendron sites in the last 18months in Cornwall & Devon. For Further advice please contact a woodland manager at info@silvanus-services.co.uk or call 01392 444432.

Silvanus creates an instant impact in Plymouth’s West End

Our Landscape Southwest teams have been working flat out to install 70 semi-mature trees in the centre of Plymouth as the first phase of the West End Regeneration project is completed.

The first stage of this high profile project focused on upgrading the streetscape on New George Street, Cornwall Street and Market Avenue.

Our teams worked to strict health & safety systems in one of the busiest shopping areas in the Southwest, moving very large and heavy trees through the streets, using heavy lifting equipment.

We had a two week window to plant all the trees as the City Council had a tight deadline to install Christmas lights on the trees in time for the official switch on.

The project was completed 3 days ahead of schedule which was particularly challenging as Plymouth was hit with 100mph storms half way through the project!!! Thankfully the underground anchoring systems, installed by Silvanus held throughout the storms and all trees remained upright and in perfect alignment.

Silvanus - On Call, 24/7/365

Our Tree Surgery teams across the Southwest were on call over the weekend to deal with the aftermath of the storms that hit the region.

With winds of upto 100mph, we dealt with over 75 different call outs. The first team was out at 4pm on Friday and we had teams active the whole way through the weekend, with as many as 12 teams out by Saturday morning working from Bristol down to Penzance, the final team clocked off at 6pm on Sunday.
Call outs ranged from trees taking out Powerlines, damaging houses and crushing cars to blocking roadways and footpaths and we worked for a number of different clients including Western Power Distibution, a number of different Local Authorities, MOD establishments and private landowners.
For more information on 24hr Emergency Tree cover across the Southwest, please give Terry Doyle a ring on 01566-772-802 to discuss your requirements and how we could help.

Countryside Management Students Doing the Business, with a little help from Silvanus

Second year National Diploma Countryside Management Students from Duchy College were treated to a "horse's mouth" account of working in countryside management when Terry Doyle, Assistant Regional Director for the Southwest based Countryside Management, Tree Surgery and Landscaping company Silvanus Services gave them a Guest Lecture.

Terry described the structure of the company, his role and the legal obligations he has to meet, the role of other staff in meeting company objectives and the importance of record keeping.

Dave Walkden, Course Manager for Duchy said "This lecture was arranged as part of the second-year, Business Management unit of the National Diploma and gave an excellent insight into the business for learners hoping to move into employment in the sector at the end of their course". It also provided an opportunity for Silvanus to raise our profile in the minds of prospective new talent in the Countryside Management sector.

Terry said "As the market leader in Countryside Management, Tree Surgery and Landscaping in the Southwest, it make perfect sense to engage with the new generation coming into the industry and how better than working with Duchy College, who offer the widest range of high quality academic and vocational training in the county".

STOP PRESS --- EWGS Woodland Creation Grant Applications window for the 2009-10 Season has been re-opened.

We have been informed that the application window for Woodland Creation Grants has been re-opened as there's money still available.

This additional window is open until the money runs out and is on a first come, first served basis.

Please contact your local Woodlands & Countryside Manager as soon as possible if you would like us to complete a grant application for you. Our Managers will help you with design, planning, planting mix and all aspects of the planting scheme, so it couldn't be easier!!

Richard – Cornwall & West Devon - 07919-031-161

Claire – Devon, West Dorset and South Somerset - 07771-960-640

Mike – Bristol, Avon and SE Wales - 07989-170-619

Julian – Avon, Cotwolds & East Dorset - 07774-175-509

All other EWGS grants, such as Woodland Regeneration, Improvement, Planning are available throughout the year, so please give us a ring to discuss your ideas or needs.

Silvanus working with the community on the Efford Valley Park Improvements Project

Our Tree Surgery teams have commenced a major project working with BTCV to complete initial clearance, tree surgery and woodland improvement works for the Efford Valley Park Improvement Project.

The aim of this project is to physically improve Efford Valley Park in Plymouth and encourage residents to use the park for healthy activities that will help strengthen the community and reinvigorate the area.

We’re not waiting for the project to be completed before getting the local community active, they’re helping us with the work!!!

Working closely with BTCV, we have assisted in encouraging public involvement and volunteers, by arranging recognised training for their volunteers and adapting our working methods and risk assessments to allow volunteers to work with Silvanus on the clearance work and make a real impact on their local environment.

Works include thinning woods by 30% & copse by 10% and felling dead, dying and dangerous trees, Crown lift trees and remove Laurel hedges along main pathways and the clearance of undergrowth.

By empowering the community to make a real difference to their local open space, we hope to encourage ownership of the site and safeguard the improvements for years to come.

Helping Bats around Plymouth Airport

Our Countryside & Woodlands teams are helping to maintain nature conservation around Plymouth Airport with the creation of a Bat Corridor to ensure that roosting Bats are not affected by the planned redevelopment around the Airport.

Working with the owners of the Airport and experts from Acorn Ecology (www.acornecology.co.uk) in Plymouth we have been awarded the contract to install a corridor of semi mature trees and shrubs over several hundred metres of land alongside the Airport

Bats use landmarks such as hedges to find their way around and we're helping them navigate their way along routes which they have used for generations.

This is the third Bat corridor we have installed over the last 18 months, with two being installed on the recently opened Dobwalls Bypass.

Work will begin in November, and with a one week window of installation, we’re working closely with a large number of stakeholders to ensure that everything runs like clockwork so as not to delay our partners further up the planning chain.

For more information about tree planting and conservation works, please give our Woodlands & Countryside Manager for Cornwall, Richard Archibald a call on 07919-031-161 or contact the Launceston office.

Silvanus start work on the UK’s first zero-carbon school at Dartington

Our Landscaping Teams have commenced work on a large project to supply and install all the fencing and soft landscaping at the new Primary School in Dartington, South Devon. This new school aims to be the first zero carbon school in the UK.

One of our largest contracts to date, this is our third contract working with Interserve this year. A huge effort is required from the team to ensure the completion date of 25th December 2009!!!!

Mike Dennys, our Landscape General Manager/Estimator is Project Managing the scheme and working with a number of partners to ensure that the deadline is achieved to the highest possible standards. Landscaping includes Sport Pitch/Court fencing, tree planting, ornamental shrubs beds, instant hedges and grass seeding. We will also be installing a planted wall made of recycled car tyres!!!

Other unique features include
-   The outdoor classroom and performance deck
-   Reptile Hybernaculas (hotels for lizards!)
-   Kitchen garden - a place to grow herbs, fruit and veg
-   Climbing boulders
-   Pond with dipping platform
-   Habitat trail
-   Willow dome
-   Reed beds for filtering the waste water from the sinks
-   Attenuation tank and swale to reduce the risk of flooding and pollution
-   Sensory Planting (using colour, texture and smell)
-   Protection of mature trees

Silvanus Tree Surgery teams also completed the initial tree work and clearance on the site last year.
For more information on Landscaping throughout the southwest, please give Mike Dennys a call on 01392-444-432. For Tree Surgery in Devon & Cornwall, please give Nigel Powell a call on 07721-518-689

Managing Phytophthora (Sudden Oak Death) in West Cornwall

Our Woodland & Countryside Teams in Cornwall are busy completing a large contract to clear around seven hectares of scrubland of Rhododendron and other ground cover to stop the spread of Phytophthora ramorum or “Sudden Oak Death” on a large private estate in West Cornwall.

Phytophthora ramorum is an exotic fungus-like pathogen of plants. Since the mid 1990's it has caused widespread death of millions of trees in forest environments in the USA and was first found in the UK in Sussex in 2002. It has the potential to attack a wide variety of native woody plants.

On Rhododendron, the first indication of the disease is wilting of shoots. These develop a brown/black colour that spreads along the twig and can move onto the leaves, where the leaf bases and tips blacken.
Many believe that Rhododendron is one of the biggest conservation issues facing English woodlands today.

Our teams are clearing all vegetation in accordance to a tightly controlled specification to ensure that all material is handled correctly to reduce the opportunity of spread. All works are funded, through grants and overseen by DEFRA & Natural England.
This is the second year of vegetation clearance on the Estate, with Silvanus clearing another area last year.

For more information on Phytophthora ramorum and safe management and control measure, please give our Woodlands & Countryside Manager for Cornwall, Richard Archibald a call on 07919-031-161

Bristol Office retains ISO 9001 Quality registration.

Our Arboriculture Association approved teams based in Bristol have successfully retained their registration for ISO9001 for Quality Assurance, showing that we offer a high quality service for our customers in the Bristol, Somerset, Avon and Southeast Wales areas.

An external Auditor from National Quality Assurance visited the offices on the 1st October to inspect our operating systems with regards to quality of the works offered to our customers. Areas covered included, our quality policies and procedures, customer care, infrastructure and environment, planning, staff training and customer complaints. This re-registration means that all our SW offices comply to ISO9001 as the Exeter & Launceston offices were audited last year.

The Auditor stated that “Customer focus and service is key to the success of this operation and was demonstrated throughout the audit”.

Services available from the Bristol office include tree surgery & consultancy, countryside management, vegetation control & clearance, fencing and grounds maintenance.

Tree Surgery Directory – Tree surgery advice and information across the UK

For information about, chainsaws, wood chippers, training, safety insurance and other timber and forestry information visit http://www.treesurgery.com/index.htm

We would particularly recommend that you adopt the excellent advice on http://www.treesurgery.com/rules_and_regulations.htm prior to appointing a Tree Surgery company.

Our Professional Tree Surgery Teams, cover Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset, Bristol & Avon areas and meet all their suggestions for employing a Tree Surgeon. We recommend that customers ensure that all companies quoting for work, offer the same high standards of insurance, safety, training and legal complience.

Silvanus and Glendale Countryside at IOG Saltex 2009

Once again this year, Silvanus have exhibited at the annual IOG Saltex show in Windsor. The numbers of enquiries this year were well up on last year, with a number of potential clients wanting to know what we do and where we work.

Naturally, as we are now part of the Glendale Countryside family, we are able to offer our services outside of our established Southwest base and indeed a number of contracts were negotiated at the show with teams now onsite completing the work. We are also able to offer some of the Glendale Countryside services, such as mature tree supply, plant and relocation, through our sister company Civic Trees. For more information on Civic Trees, please visit www.civictrees.co.uk

Civic Trees has perfected industry leading techniques for lifting existing trees from one location and transporting them to another before successfully replanting it. Using these methods, it is possible to lift trees with stem circumferences up to 300cm

The current economic climate means that clients are looking for a bit more than just a contracting company and Silvanus are in a great position to offer a tailored solution to their land management requirements.

For information, advice and assistance on our services, including Tree Surgery, Tree Consultancy, Landscaping and Woodland & Countryside Management, please give Dave or Josie a ring at our Exeter office on 01392-444-432

Show your readiness to act against climate change: Plant a free tree!

Around nine billion tonnes of CO2 is absorbed by trees every year, but nearly two billion tonnes are released through deforestation. By planting more trees, we can demonstrate our commitment to balance of the Earth's climate and can make our own surroundings a little bit greener!

visit http://clickatree.europa.eu/en/metanavigation/home.html to see how you can get a free tree to plant and make your commitment to climate change.

Contact us for more information on how to plant trees and how we can help you meet your commitment to climate change by planting more trees over the winter.

Ben, Your Hired… Another Apprentice for the Southwest Region

Glendale Grounds Management’s North Devon Grounds contract has taken on an apprentice gardener.

Ben Hews started on the contract in May as a seasonal employee. His good work ethics and commitment to the contract has resulted in him being recruited as the apprentice on the contract and he has been signed up to Duchy College. On completion of his apprenticeship, Ben will hold an NVQ 2 in Amenity Horticulture, PA1 & PA6 Chemical Application, First Aid and other associated certificates.

Ben is the first apprentice in North Devon’s parks for a number of years and demonstrates Glendale’s passion and commitment for staff investment, community involvement and nurturing young talent.

 Ben is the second of a planned three apprentices being placed in Glendale's Southwest region over the next  18 months.

New Assistant Utility Arboriculture Manager for Cornwall

We are delighted to announce that Tom Shiell has joined us to manage our Utility Arboriculture operations for Western Power Distribution out of our established depot in Grampound Road, near Truro.

Tom joins us with great experience in working on Utility contracts for a number of competitors across the southwest. Tom has also run his own business as well as holding several management positions including Head Forester.

Tom will oversee around 15 staff working in Cornwall, all fully qualified Arborists, with the appropriate insurance, PPE, kit and working to the highest industry standards.

For advice, assistant and free estimates on any Tree works in Cornwall, please give Tom a call on 01726-883-664

NVQ 3 in Business Administration for our Launceston based Administration team.

Our three Administration Assistants in Launceston have all recently completed an 18 month course with Cornwall College Business and qualified with an NVQ 3 in Business Administration.

Kym, Susie & Kim have worked really hard over the last 18 months, ensuring that coursework was completed on time, whilst also completing their normal duties assisting in the running of all our contracts based at Launceston.

These courses were assessed in the workplace through Cornwall College Business, and funded by the Learning and Skills Council and covered a variety of units including, accounting, IT and general administrative work.

Well done to Kym, Susie & Kim for all their hard work in achieving this qualification.

Boscastle Projects wins Waterways Renaissance Awards, 2009

A project to re-build the North Cornwall village of Boscastle has received national recognition for the improvements made over the 2 year project.

The awards recognise best practice in sustainable waterway regeneration and development throughout the UK and the Main Contractor, Halcrow was recognised for their "inspired engineering solutions and sheer determination to ensure prevention against similar situations" secured a special award for the Boscastle Valency Flood Defence.  

The nominations were judged by an independent assessment panel of waterway, conservation and regeneration experts and chaired by Sir Peter Soulsby MP.

Silvanus completed all the landscaping and fencing for this project over a 2 year period, using local staff, suppliers and contractors.

This 2 year, £130,000 project has involved planting over 3,000 trees, 3,500 shrubs and herbacious perennials, 10,500m2 of conservation/meadow seed and 700lm of fence installation, all within the confines of a conservation area, very high standards and subject to elevated levels of public and press scrutiny.

The large number of stakeholders involved, meant that the management of this project was of particular importance to ensure that we were meeting the requirements of the contract, the land owners and the local residents.

Landscapes Southwest secure Exeter City Council Contract

Our colleagues in Landscapes Southwest (LSW), the southwest based grounds maintenance division of Glendale Grounds Management has commenced operations on a new £200k per annum contract to maintain gardens on behalf of Exeter City Council's Housing Department. This 3 year contract involves the maintenance of over 500 gardens for residents who meet the criteria for the Garden Assistance Scheme.

Jim Strang (LSW's General Manager) and his team started the contract up with less than 4 weeks’ notice. Up to 6 full-time staff will be employed on the contract, some of which have transferred over from the incumbent service provider.

The contract was award on a best value criteria which demonstrates that once again a southwest local authority has seen that when fully assessed Glendale, through Landscapes Southwest offer best value for money for the delivery of community based, high quality, frontline services.

Some unique areas of the contract include introductory leaflets to all customers explaining who we are and what they can expect from us, as well as a 0800 free phone telephone number for customers of the service to contact us. All green waste is transferred to Ecosci’s state of the art Composting facility in Exeter and recycled into compost (www.ecosci.co.uk). The contract is based from our established depot in Exeter.

LSW now complete ground maintenance, grass cutting & garden maintenance for the following RSLs in the SW region: Tarka Homes, North Devon Homes, Tor Homes, Westcountry Housing, Exeter City Council, Devon & Cornwall HA, The Home Farm Trust and West Devon Homes.

Silvanus Services carry out tree management, including all areas of tree surgery and inspections (condition and health & safety) for Penwith HA, Cornwall Rural HA, Somer Housing, Redland Housing, Teign Housing, The Home Farm Trust, Cornwall Council (Caradon, North Cornwall & Restormel) and Plymouth City Council.

For more information of Grounds Maintenance services across the southwest, please give Jim a ring on 01566-772-802

A419 Blunsdon Bypass opens to the public

The long awaited Blunsdon bypass has now opened just north of Swindon, and it's another major road section softened by Silvanus' Bristol based Countryside Teams.

The 12-month project, managed by our Bristol/Cotswold Woodland & Countryside Manager, Julian Burchby involved the planting of over 100,000 trees along the new road, seeding and maintenance.

This is our second road planting scheme in the last 12 months, with the Dobwalls bypass opending a few months ago.

Working with the main contractor, Carillion the project was delivered on time and to budget using our dedicated teams based at Bristol and Newbury.

For more information about tree planting services in the North Somerset, Bristol and M4 corridor areas, please give Julian or Mike a ring at Bristol on 01275-464-466

Toby Buckland delivers first load of green waste to Exeter's new Green Waste facility

Gardeners’ World Presenter Toby Buckland has officially opened Devon’s newest in-vessel compost facility designed to turn food and similar waste into compost.

The purpose built, state of the art site in Clyst St Mary, Exeter was opened by Toby on Friday the 5th December.


Verdia Horticulture Limited, a joint venture company between Glendale Managed Services and The TEG Group Plc, has built the new organic waste composting facility.

The facility is different to traditional waste management services, as it will also produce high-grade amenity horticulture products from composted materials. These top quality products will include top dressing, peat substitute for growing media and slow release amenity fertiliser for sports pitches, golf courses and the like.

Hill Barton will accept a range of materials for composting, including green garden waste, vegetable waste, catering waste and food waste.

All waste will be processed at the state of the art composting facility at Hill Barton where green waste and food waste will be composted together using a specialist in-vessel system. The facility uses the TEG in-vessel composting system, which is a fully enclosed, continuous aerobic operation. Waste is composted in accordance with the highest of modern standards to produce high-quality products for end-use in agriculture and horticulture.

They are able to provide a bespoke collection service to customers to suit their requirements. Waste can also be delivered directly to the facility.

For more information, visit www.ecosci.co.uk

Silvanus - Investing in the future of Arboriculture in the Southwest

We are pleased to announce that the first of our planned Apprentices have commenced employment on our Western Power Tree trimming contract. Alex Hall will be working from our Launceston Office.

Working in association with Bicton College in Devon, Alex will complete a full package of courses over the next 2 years, including NVQ 2 in Arboriculture, First Aid, PA1/PA6 Certificate in Pesticide Application as well as Climbing & Arial Rescue certificates.

Silvanus hope to recruit a further 3 Apprentices over the next 18 months throughout our operation.

Dobwall's By-pass Opens

The long awaited By-pass of Dobwalls has now opened, with its impact softened by Silvanus' Cornwall based Countryside Teams.

The 18-month project, managed by our Cornwall Woodland & Countryside Manager, Richard Archibald involved the planting of over 150,000 trees along the new road, seeding and maintenance.

This £200,000 project, for main contractor Interserve Civils is the latest in a long line of tree planting projects that Silvanus have carried out for a number of clients over the last few years.

Silvanus currently plant in excess of 500,000 trees a year across the southwest

New Exeter Office Opened

The Parkwood Group have opened their new offices in Exeter, allowing the Silvanus and Ecosci offices to merge. This purpose built, barn conversion allows sufficient space for the new Glendale Countryside head office functions, Silvanus Landscapes Estimating and Devon Countryside Teams and Ecosci as well as colleagues from Parkwood Leisure.

The New Regional Office details are;
Glendale
The Dairy Barn
Westpoint
Clyst St. Mary
Exeter
EX5 1DJ
Tel: 01392 444432 Fax: 01392 36464
exeter@silvanus-services.co.uk

Services available to customers from the Exeter office are Landscaping, Tree Planting, Fencing, Estates Management Services & Vegetation Management, so please give us a call or pop in.

Iain Johnston joins us as Utility Contracts Manager for WPD contracts

We are delighted to announce that Iain Johnston has joined us to manage our large arboriculture contract with Western Power Distribution.

Iain joins us with an impressive track record in the management of Utility contracts, have spent the past 20 years working in both the Rail, Highways & Electrical tree management sector across the UK.

Silvanus has held Utility arboriculture contracts with WPD for some 15 years, with the current package worth in excess of £1.3m per annum and spread across Devon & Cornwall based at Redruth, Barnstaple, Launceston & Plymouth areas.

Iain will be managing over 40, fully qualified, directly employed Arborists and a network of Sub-Contractors who will assist in the continued success of our well-established partnership with WPD.

Managing Safely

A total of 12 Contract Manager, Assistant Managers and Supervisors from across Silvanus completed a 4-day I.O.S.H. Managing Safely course on June.

All passed the course with flying colours and there were some very good comments regarding the course content and appropriateness. 

North Devon Grounds Maintenance contract win

We are delighted ot have been awarded the 5+5 year Grounds Miantanance contract for North Devon District Council.  This contract, worth approximatly £600,000 per year, was won at competative tender. 

Duties include full grounds management of Parks, Open Spaces, Verges and Housing Sites, including floral displays, shrub bed maintenance, grass cutting and sport pitch maintenance.

The Glendale/Landscapes Southwest bid focussed on our existing presence in the region and the added value that the Silvanus tree surgery & landscaping, and EcoSci composting operations could bring for the client. 

With this contract win, Glendale through Landscapes Southwest now have term grounds maintenance contracts with 4 of the 7 district & borough councils in Devon.

The contract starts in early April, and new kit and machinary has already been ordered.

Silvanus wins arboriculture contracts for Somer Housing & North Somerset Council

Silvanus ' Bristol office have been awarded two term arborociulture contracts recently. The North Somerset Council contract is the continuation of a contract held by Silvanus for the last 4 years, for practical arboriculture work on North Somerset's tree stock. 

The Somer Housing contract is a 4 year contract which involves surveying & consultancy work as well as practical tree surgery. 

Both contracts were won at competative tender.

Silvanus & Landscapes Southwest to become part of Glendale

Glendale Managed Services Ltd, the national green services provider, announces that it has acquired Silvanus Services Ltd and its sister company Landscapes Southwest Ltd.

Silvanus will continue to undertake the same work it always has, with the additional benefit of Glendale’s national backup. It will become a part of Glendale Countryside, and will retain its own “Silvanus” branding. Landscapes Southwest Ltd (LSW), the sister company of Silvanus, is also included in the sale and will now become a part of Glendale Grounds Management.

As a company active in the same market, the acquisition reinforces Glendale’s position as the UK’s number one green service provider. The move is set to strengthen Glendale’s position in the South West and within the Arboriculture & Countryside sectors.

Glendale also owns Exeter-based EcoSci, the green waste recycling company, and is in the process of developing a brand new Green Waste Recycling facility at Hill Barton near Exeter.

Silvanus owner-directors, David Adam and Peter Solly will both remain within the business. David has been appointed to the position of Glendale’s Regional Director for the South West and Peter Solly will take on a wider Business Development role within Glendale.

David Adam said “This is a really exciting development for the staff and customers of Silvanus and LSW and with the proposed new structure we can bring the best of our local presence and Glendale’s scale, for the benefit of all parties”.

Peter Solly said “There are significant opportunities in countryside & arboriculture work, and becoming part of Glendale will enable us to take advantage of those opportunities both in the south west and beyond. Glendale is a well-regarded employer, and we believe that the deal offers excellent opportunities for our staff, as well as allowing more investment in kit and business development.”

Glendale’s Managing Director Nick Temple-Heald commented, “Silvanus and Landscapes Southwest together make a perfect strategic match for Glendale. These businesses operate in the same market as Glendale but have a strong presence in the South West of England where traditionally Glendale has not grown as quickly as in other regions.

“Glendale has been successful by providing local services to local people. In order to thrive in the South West, Glendale believes that it is necessary to have local people managing the business and delivering our green services.”

Following on from Glendale entering the Scottish market earlier in the year by acquiring Landscape Construction (Scotland) Limited, this further purchase means that Glendale is now a truly national organisation.

Claire Jordan joins as Exeter countryside manager

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Claire Jordan as new Exeter-based manager for our woodland & countryside teams. Claire, who joins from the National Trust where she was a Warden, has 10 years countryside experience in a variety of roles. Claire will work to develop Silvanus’ countryside contracting teams which work throughout Devon and undertake tree planting, fencing, habitat management works.

Her Majesty's Court Service

We have been awarded a 3 year contract by HMCS to undertake Grounds Maintenance at all of their sites in Devon & Cornwall. Won at competitive tender, this contract involves grass cutting, hedge cutting & shrub bed maintenance.

4 year maintenance contract won in Hertfordshire

We have been awarded a 4 year grounds maintenance contract in Hertfordshire, maintaining part of the public rights of way network. The work involves mowing, strimming & hedge cutting paths and bridleways in part of the county. Work started almost immediately following the award, and we have recently taken delivery of a new flail mower which will be dedicated to this contract. This contract will be operated our of our depot in Bedford, north of London.

Envision Environmental Audit

"Environmental improvement", in the broadest sense, is one of the central focuses of the company. We believe that the work we do has, overall, a significantly beneficial effect on the environment.
However in order to ensure we are doing all that we can, and to have independent verification of this, we have commissioned an audit from Envision. Envision are a not-for-profit organisation, and will spend 5 days with us over the next few months identifying the areas of our operations that impact on the environment, and working with us to reduce the impact.

Silvanus Services Ltd 20 years old this year

This year Silvanus Services Ltd will be 20 years old. Originally established as the trading subsidiary of the charity The Silvanus Trust, it had 2 members of staff initially. Since then it has grown significantly, both in size and the range of the work it does, and now employs 100 people throughout the South West and Midlands. "Restoring neglected woodlands" was the original reason for the company being set up. The company still undertakes woodland management and tree planting, but has also broadened into grounds maintenance, landscaping, tree surgery and countryside management.

West Devon Grounds Maintenance contract - won for 4 years

We are delighted to be able to report that the Landscapes Southwest business has won a grounds maintenance contract with West Devon Borough Council. The contract is for 4 years with a 2 year extension, and was won at competitive tender. Landscapes Southwest held the contract previously so we are delighted to have retained the work, which involves grass cutting, shrub bed maintenance and some tree work throughout West Devon. The existing 4-man team will continue to work on the contract. Over the next few weeks we will be purchasing new vans, trailers, mowers & kit as part of "gearing up" for the new contract. Paul Johnson has been promoted, and is now Contract Manager for this contract as well as our work for Teign Housing.