Projects /
A building that paves the way: the case of the Forestry Hub
Bioproducts from Mediterranean forest biomass
Association of Truffle Producers of Catalonia
SAMBUCUS Cooperative
Wood and Innovation: the Transformative Force of the PRISMA Project
Soriguera: from agroforestry mosaic to resilient landscape
Recovery of Forests with MALWA Machinery
Services /
Product development
Advisory services
Training
Certification
Large‑scale project
Areas /
Wood
Truffle
Aromatic and medicinal plants
Green chemistry
Pine nuts
Environmental planning and management
Innovation in forestry work
Innovation
in forestry
operations
Technology at the service of soil,
biodiversity and productivity
At the Forestry Hub, we work under the principle of the resilient landscape: forests as long‑term viable ecosystems capable of maintaining their health, diversity, and productivity despite natural and human challenges. From this perspective, innovation is essential to transfer and implement efficient, sustainable forest management solutions.
Our mission is to bring advanced machinery and techniques that improve forest operations, protect the soil, and contribute to the territory’s bioeconomy.
To achieve this, we conduct research on different mechanization solutions that combine scientific knowledge and forestry practice. This allows us to explore technologies that facilitate forest work, increase productivity, and strengthen the sustainability of forest stands.
Cable yarding:
accessibility
with environmental respect
Cable yarding is an ideal solution when forests are difficult to access or particularly fragile. It allows logging with minimal impact on the soil and forest structure.
This technology enables work on steep slopes, protected areas, sites with limited road networks, or regions affected by natural disasters, all while maintaining ecological integrity.
We work with both mobile and fixed systems depending on forest conditions. Under typical Mediterranean conditions, cable yarding can achieve a productivity of 2.5 m³/h with two operators and average hauling distances around 350 m. These figures highlight its efficiency and resource optimization, which are essential for environmental and economic sustainability.
Productivity depends on many factors: log length, spacing between supports, stand density, terrain morphology, and weather. Our scientific approach allows us to plan and optimise each intervention to ensure maximum productivity with minimum impact.
EQUUS: performance on
steep and demanding terrain
For more demanding tasks, such as skidding and wood handling, we work with trials involving the EQUUS forestry tractor, specially designed for difficult terrain.
Its structural rigidity, low centre of gravity, and traction make it ideal for steep slopes and irregular ground.
Traditionally, this work has been carried out using agricultural tractors or skidders with winches. Our improved approach uses skidders equipped not only with winches but also with grapples and clambunks, which significantly increase productivity and reduce extraction costs.
MALWA
mechanisation
for young forest stands
Young Mediterranean forests present a particular challenge: small‑diameter trees and fragile soils limit the use of conventional machinery. This is where the MALWA compact and versatile harvester becomes essential.
Our ongoing trials focus on assessing productivity gains compared to machinery currently used in the sector, while ensuring no damage to young trees.
Advantages of MALWA machinery:
Reduced operational and acquisition costs, making interventions viable in areas previously abandoned.
Narrow width and low weight, minimising soil compaction and damage to forest stands.
Easy transportability, enabling flexible and fast operations.
MALWA is especially valuable in pre‑commercial thinnings, where efficiency, sustainability, and cost control are essential. According to our research, this machinery helps transform young forests with high recovery potential into responsibly managed resources, contributing directly to the bioeconomy.
