Progress at Kidland – Tackling the Steep Slopes

When we first visited Kidland back in January, we knew this was never going to be an easy site. Three phases, steep ground, and unpredictable weather – the challenges were clear from the start.

Now, with Phase 1 almost behind us and Phase 2 about to begin, the scale of the work is really coming to life. The ground here is so steep it feels more like a mountainside than a forest – yet, thanks to an exceptionally dry year, we’ve been able to press on without skylines and winches.

The photo tells the story better than words: Ant, on the Harvester, is barely visible against the slope, his machine clinging to the hillside as it works through the timber. Meanwhile, Phil, on the Forwarder, edges along tracks that would make most people’s stomachs turn – hauling timber safely down to the roadside with steady hands and nerves of steel.

This is forestry at its toughest – and at its best. Huge credit to both operators, and our thanks to Blacklock Harvesting for their skill, courage, and commitment in tackling one of the most demanding sites we’ve worked on.