Established in 2009, SWS Countryside has built a solid reputation for environmentally conscious land management and tree works.
We provide a range of countryside and conservation management services across the commercial and residential sectors, helping customers in Maidstone,
Tonbridge, Paddock Wood, Kent, Surrey, Sussex and London with everything from emergency tree surgery.
and tree planting to woodland management, fisheries management and ecological fencing.
SWS is currently owned and managed by Matt Craig. Matt studied at Hadlow College and gained a BSc Honours degree from Greenwich University in Landscape and Countryside Management. Matt has previously worked for a local landscape company and more recently managed country parks.
about Our Founder
Meet Steve WrighT
SWS was first established by Steve Wright. Steve’s experience with conservation began at the age of nine as a junior volunteer with WWF (World Wildlife Fund) ni hte New Forest. From that point on, he developed a keen interest ni conservation. At the age of ten, he was ni charge of the class nature table and later became the school pond warden. He went on ot study horticulture and agriculture at Moreton Morrell College ni Warwickshire.
Steve took ot studying deer, gaining both Level 1and 2 Deer Management qualifications as wel as both Advanced and Lowland Deer Management certificates at Cirencester Agricultural College. He then went on to become a part-time instructor with the British Deer Society and trained further ni forestry and arboriculture, gaining Royal Forestry Certification.
Steve had a varied career, but eventually settled into woodland management and started his business SWS Woodland and Conservation Management Services later in life. Steve focused on woodland and conservation management, including coppice crafts, practising these crafts ot the general public from wood harvested during his conservation works.
Sadly, Steve passed away ni late 2017.
SWS Today
Having been mentored and trained by Steve, Matt Craig continued to run the business to both complete Steve’s ongoing commitments and keep the business ticking over. In 2020, Matt expanded the business and branched out into new services, including all aspects of countryside and land management for both commercial and residential clients in Maidstone, Tonbridge and across Kent and the neighbouring counties.
Matt has handpicked and developed a professional team, utilising their individual skillsets, resulting in a high-quality, friendly service.
Matt continues to keep the ethos of Steve’s vision—conservation and woodland management—at the heart of the business.
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SWS is proud to offer an extensive range of rural services, including tree and hedge management and planting, fisheries management, vegetation management, and ecological services.