Isle of Man Plantation Timber Harvesting to Begin in February

A timber harvesting operation is set to begin this month across Isle of Man plantations, marking a significant step in the island’s commercial forestry activities, the government announced (2-12-25). The Isle of Man is a self-governing British Crown Dependency in the Irish Sea, between Great Britain and Ireland.

Managed by the Department of Environment, Food, and Agriculture (DEFA), the operation will remove a substantial number of trees from sites including South Barrule and Archallagan, with a portion of the harvested timber destined for export to new UK markets.

Many of the island’s plantations, originally established for timber production in the mid-20th century, have now reached maturity, with further harvesting operations planned in the coming years.

The initiative includes clearing thousands of trees felled by recent storms, improving forest health and sustainability. Replanting efforts will follow soon after, introducing a mix of commercial conifers and broadleaves to enhance biodiversity and support long-term environmental benefits.

While some of the harvested timber will be processed locally at the Isle of Man Sawmill for use in Manx timber products, the remainder will be shipped through Douglas and Ramsey Harbors for distribution to new markets in the UK.

In a statement accompanying the announcement, Clare Barber MHK, Minister for DEFA, said:

“The primary objectives are to eliminate safety hazards, restore public access, and manage the plantations effectively. Capitalizing on new markets for Manx timber also supports the long-term viability of our plantations, reinforcing their role as a sustainable commercial crop.

Understandably, the work will have a visual impact on the landscape, however it is necessary to ensure that future generations will still be able to use our outdoor spaces for recreation. Over time we will see these spaces gradually regenerate, and continue to provide valuable timber resources and spaces to explore for people in the Isle of Man.”