Nicholsons has announced the expansion of its forestry division.

The company has integrated the forestry division of Charlton Abbotts Forestry into its operations.

This move will strengthen Nicholsons' forestry and arboricultural services across a broader area, including Oxfordshire, Northamptonshire, Gloucestershire, Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Wiltshire, Somerset, and surrounding counties.

The partnership between Nicholsons and Charlton Abbotts Forestry could have a strong foundation as it is based on shared values, including a commitment to quality, environmental management, sustainable land practices, and family-driven principles.

Both of the companies have grown with a focus on community, sustainable practices, and an appreciation for the natural landscape.

This partnership will allow the teams to offer enhanced services, underpinned by a culture of respect, reliability, and a deep-rooted sense of responsibility to their clients.

Charlton Abbotts founders, Will and Sue Wilkinson, sought a robust succession plan for their company and found Nicholsons to be the ideal custodian.

They were confident in Nicholsons' dedication to the long-term health and success of woodland environments.

The merger will bolster Nicholsons' ability to serve landowners and estate managers, supporting them with innovative forest management strategies, including a focus on biodiversity and natural capital markets.

The partnership brings a wealth of experience to the newly merged forestry team, with Charlton Abbotts contributing more than 110 years of combined expertise in the forestry and arboricultural industry.

Niel Nicholson, founding director of the Forest Canopy Foundation (FCF), said: "We’re honoured to bring Charlton Abbotts into the Nicholsons family.

"Their deep expertise and focus on client-centred forest management aligns perfectly with our mission."

Will and Sue Wilkinson said: "As a small company with an ever-increasing administrative burden, linking in with a larger company like Nicholsons, with similar values to ours, is the way forward.

"Primarily, this move will enable us to ensure that the woodland management service we provide to our clients is future-proofed.

"Although Will is not aiming to retire at this young age (61!), it will mean that we can both, in the longer course of time, progressively step back."

Justin Mumford, director of forestry, arboriculture, and ecology, added: "The integration of Charlton Abbotts into Nicholsons forestry and arboriculture will allow the combined team to deliver seamless, bigger, better, together services, combining advanced woodland management techniques and environmentally conscious strategies."

Charlton Abbotts' landscaping division will continue to deliver 'high-quality' landscaping services under its trusted name, with no changes to its current trading format, ensuring consistency for its clients.