The Happy Tree Company (Hope Valley Ltd) (THTC) was established in May 2005 by the present director Mark Chapman. With 7 years previous climbing experience all over the UK he felt it time to start, what was in the beginning, a landscaping and tree maintenance company.
As the company grew so the company changed and developed. Until 12 years ago, the company was only involved with arboriculture, woodland management, and riparian tree work. Educated to Masters Degree level in forestry, Mark is both experienced and qualified to work at all levels of his industry and has developed a well-respected company.
THTC Ltd is under contract to look after over 35 miles of wild trout river banks and trees, installing habitat, treating invasive species and installing/removing woody debris. Woodland management and creation are core to the business, developing existing woodlands and planting new areas on reclaimed quarry sites. THTC Ltd work on a regular basis with The Breedon Group, Alma Rail, The Wild Trout Trust, MWH Treatments, Derbyshire Council, and fishing syndicates. THTC works on rivers all over the country from the Witham and Great Ouse to the Dove, Noe, and Derwent as well as many fishing lakes and tributaries.
What The Happy Tree Company does
Arboriculture
With 4 climbers and ground crew we cover everything from reductions, thinning, dead wooding, and felling to stump removal. With over 50 years of climbing experience between us we are capable of completing any task safely, efficiently and to a very high standard. Much of our work is in the Peak District National Park. As such we are experienced in working with tree preservation orders (TPO), conservation areas and Sites of Specific Scientific Interest (SSSI).
Forestry
Low impact forestry and woodland management to make the most of your woodland for timber production or habitat creation. Silvicultural systems designed to convert woodlands from conifer species to broadleaved or to provide a constant supply of timber. While timber production is often important to provide an income many of the woodlands we look after are for amenity value. With this in mind and allowing the woodland to develop in as natural way as possible we avoid using heavy machinery as much as possible which in turn reduces the damage caused to the woodland and the local environment.
Riparian
Our work on water courses and wild trout rivers are primarily for safety and access. Creating habitat for wildlife by managing the trees on the riverbanks not only improves the river but it also helps by reducing erosion. Serious erosion can occur when the trees uproot pulling large amounts of soil with them, by coppicing unstable trees this not only keeps the tree alive but also prevents erosion. Soft engineering designs for habitat and erosion control involve the installation of large woody debris, using the timber from the coppiced trees, tied into the bank to reduce the impact of fast running water. This creates slow eddies which become a haven for wildlife and at the same time slow down erosion and the speed of the water. Invasive Non-Native Species are a problem in many areas, we are able to survey and treat species like Japanese knotweed as part of a long term management plan for the health of the river.
Planting and planning
New woodland planning, hedgerow planting and ecological habitat corridors are key to improving woodland connection. Funding applications for grants to plant woodlands and hedgerows are available which help pay for the cost of the trees and planting. We also use our home grown stock from local seeds collected from the Hope Valley and surrounding areas.
Accreditation
The Happy Tree Company (Hope Valley) Ltd is a Professional Member of the Arboricultural Association.
