About & certifications
Family-run forestry, professionally accredited
As a premier forestry and logging contractor based in Devon, we are a proud third-generation family-run business with over 70 years of experience in the trade. We deliver professional, high-yield timber and woodland management solutions across the Southwest, building a reputation for trust, heritage, and industry expertise.Driven by a high-performance fleet of modern Komatsu machinery, our operations combine heavy-duty mechanised capability with low-ground precision. From steep-terrain thinning to large-scale clear fells, we pride ourselves on delivering efficient, reliable results to the highest industry standards.We work closely with private landowners, estate managers, and local sawmills to maximise the commercial value of your timber. Every project is executed with meticulous care, ensuring we always uphold the strictest safety and environmental regulations.
Our story
Rooted in the region for two decades
We work for estates, farms, developers, utility companies and private woodland owners. Whatever the scale, the approach is the same: survey properly, plan for the long term, work safely and leave the site tidy.
Firewood came naturally – thinning healthy woodland produces timber that deserves a second life. Today our seasoned and kiln-dried logs heat hundreds of homes across the county every winter.
NPTC / City & Guilds
- • CS30/31 Chainsaw maintenance & felling
- • CS32 Felling trees over 380mm
- • CS38/39 Aerial rescue & climbing
- • CS41 Windblown timber
LANTRA & Machinery
- • Forwarder & harvester operation
- • Tracked excavator & mulcher
- • Winch operation
- • Emergency first aid at work (+F)
Insurance
- • £10M Public Liability
- • £10M Employer's Liability
- • Hired-in & owned plant cover
- • Professional indemnity for plans
Licences
- • Support for obtaining Forestry Commission felling licences
Why choose us
Forestry & Timber Solutions Built on 70 Years of Experience
Michael has been our timber harvesting contractor for the past 15 years. The woodlands are managed under a Continuous Cover Forestry (CCF) system. Michael is very professional in all his work and the woodlands are a testament to the skill and care that he takes when working here. I have no hesitation in recommending him to other woodland owners.
Coombe Farm
M Salter & Son Ltd are a pleasure to work with. Their extensive knowledge of all aspects of forestry, combined with their professional and reliable approach, makes them a trusted partner for any forestry project. We would not hesitate to recommend their services.
Cameron Edmonds
Contracts Manager, Euroforest South West
Safety & environmental statement
We operate strictly within the UK Forestry Standard and the law. Every project starts with the right felling licence, a wildlife and habitat survey, and a written risk assessment. Timber is extracted with low ground-pressure machinery, brash is managed to protect soils, and replanting or natural regeneration is built into every plan we write.
— M. Salter, Operations Manager
Legally compliant
Felling licences, TPO checks and Forestry Commission consents handled before any saw starts.
Safety first, always
NPTC qualified operators, FISA guidance followed, site-specific RAMS on every job.
Wildlife conservation
Pre-works ecology and nesting-bird surveys, protected-species checks and seasonal timing. Heritage surveys.
Fully documented
£10M public liability, employer's liability and plant insurance – certificates on request.