Felling & Processing Trees from 380mm to 760mm

This course is designed for individuals who already have experience with chainsaw operations and now need to develop the competence required to fell and process larger timber safely, efficiently and in line with current standards.

Working with larger trees brings a different level of responsibility. The forces involved are greater, the consequences of poor judgement are more serious and the need for sound technique becomes much more pronounced. For that reason, this training focuses not only on practical ability, but on the discipline, awareness and decision-making required to operate safely in more demanding woodland conditions.

The course is intended to strengthen confidence, improve technical competence and ensure that participants are properly prepared for work involving larger trees.

What the Course Covers

The training provides a practical and structured approach to felling and processing trees within this size range. Participants are guided through the health and safety framework that underpins this type of work, with particular attention given to current legislation, personal protective equipment, site safety and risk assessment.

Alongside that foundation, the course develops the practical techniques needed to fell larger trees safely and accurately. It also covers the processing of timber once on the ground, including snedding, de-limbing and the crosscutting of stems that exceed the length of the guide bar.

Because larger trees often present more complicated working situations, the course also introduces the use of hand winches when dealing with difficult felling scenarios or managing hung-up trees. This is an important part of ensuring that participants are prepared not only for straightforward work, but for the more technically awkward situations that arise in real woodland operations.

Course Content

Training includes:

  • health and safety requirements, including current legislation, PPE and risk assessment
  • advanced felling techniques for larger trees
  • snedding and de-limbing of larger material
  • crosscutting stems longer than the guide bar
  • use of hand winches for felling assistance and dealing with hung-up trees

The emphasis throughout is on safe, efficient and competent working practice rather than speed for its own sake.

Who This Course Is For

This course is suitable for those who already hold the basic chainsaw qualifications and now need to progress into larger tree work. It is particularly relevant to those involved in forestry, woodland management, estate work and wider land-based contracting where larger diameter trees form part of the job.

Participants should already be comfortable with chainsaw maintenance, crosscutting and smaller felling operations before moving into this level of training.

Equipment Required

Participants are expected to attend with the appropriate protective clothing and suitable equipment for the course.

Protective equipment

  • chainsaw boots
  • gloves
  • helmet with visor and ear defenders
  • all-round protection chainsaw trousers
  • personal first aid kit
  • waterproof clothing

Chainsaw equipment

  • a well-maintained chainsaw
  • suitable chains
  • felling bar
  • wedges
  • lifting tongs or hooks
  • any other specified tools relevant to the course requirements

Arriving properly equipped is part of working professionally and safely, and it helps ensure that training time is spent on skill development rather than avoidable preparation issues.

Prerequisites

Participants must:

  • be over 16 years of age
  • already hold Chainsaw Maintenance and Crosscutting certifications
  • hold the relevant units or equivalent prior training, including 201, 202 and 203

This course is not intended as an introduction to chainsaw work. It builds on existing competence and is designed for those moving into a more technically demanding level of operation.

Accreditation

The course can be accredited through NPTC or LANTRA, depending on the participant’s requirements and the route most appropriate to their work or employer expectations.

For those seeking further information on certification standards, the relevant awarding body guidance should also be reviewed alongside the course details.

Training Partnership

At Wildscape Deer Management, we place real value on practical standards and professional development across the land management sector. For that reason, we work in partnership with South East Landbased Training Courses (SELT), a provider recognised for delivering vocational training that is firmly rooted in the realities of land-based work.

Led by Sarah Firrell, SELT brings together practical experience and technical knowledge in a way that supports both competence and confidence. This partnership allows us to connect clients and course participants with high-quality training that is relevant to the demands of forestry, woodland and rural work, while also contributing to the wider aim of strengthening professional standards across the countryside sector.

Why This Course Matters

Felling larger trees is not simply an extension of basic chainsaw work. It requires stronger judgement, better technique and a more serious understanding of risk. That is why good training at this level matters.

For individuals, it improves confidence and competence. For employers and land managers, it improves safety, standards and the quality of work carried out on the ground. In both cases, it supports a more professional approach to woodland operations.

Book or Enquire

For course dates, availability and booking information, please visit: Felling and Processing Trees Training