Scottish Forestry - News Scottish Forestry is the Scottish Government agency responsible for forestry policy, support and regulation. https://forestry.gov.scot/news-releases2024-03-29T12:15:23+00:00Your Joomla! Sitewebsite@forestry.gov.scotJoomla! - Open Source Content ManagementBlog: Forests and Innovation2024-03-21T09:10:50+00:002024-03-21T09:10:50+00:00https://forestry.gov.scot/news-releases/forests-and-innovationSteve Williamssteve.williams@forestryandland.gov.scot<p><img src="https://forestry.gov.scot/images/2Excel_Geo_heat_map.JPG" /></p><p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em>We're celebrating International Day of Forests 2024!</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em>This year’s theme is all about Forests and Innovation and Scottish Forestry is playing its part in driving forward the use of innovative technology to benefit the sector.</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em>In this guest blog, Flora Donald, our Tree Health Policy Officer, explains an exciting piece of work being undertaken through the CivTech Challenge which could help us monitor for tree pests and diseases. </em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em>Flora has been working with Kyle Usher, Scottish Forestry’s Head of Innovation, and Mike Kerr, Head of GIS, to take the project through its various stages with CivTech and the innovative companies involved.</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>Monitoring all of a country’s forests to spot signs of deadly tree pests and diseases<br /></strong></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">We set this as a Challenge and invited companies, large and small, to bring new energy and ideas to explore options with us via Scottish Government’s <a href="https://www.civtech.scot/" style="font-size: 0.9em;">CivTech</a> Programme, created to drive daring and innovation in the public sector.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Applicants to our Challenge suggested a wide range of solutions from ‘smart forests’ fitted with IOT sensors to mobile monitoring apps but we decided Earth Observation (EO) techniques show the best potential to provide us with new intel on pest and disease distributions.</span></p>
<p><br /><img src="https://forestry.gov.scot/images/07_Mixed_woodland_and_agri_with_unhealthy_Spruce.JPG" width="100%" height="Auto" alt="07 Mixed woodland and agri with unhealthy Spruce" /></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">(mixed conifers and agricultural land showing some unhealthy Spruce)</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>Selecting innovative companies through CivTech<br /></strong></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">We selected two companies, AAC Clyde Space and 2Excel Aviation, to develop complimentary prototype products showcasing how high resolution imagery could be collected and analysed to find early signs of pests and disease problems across Scotland’s 1.4 million hectares of forests and woodlands.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Both companies aim to provide the Tree Health team with a prioritised list of areas to follow up with ground surveys for pest/disease confirmation and to decide on the best course of action to stop further spread. If we can find these outbreaks earlier, it will help landowners take action to protect trees before the pest or pathogen spreads to the next tree or forest.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.aac-clyde.space/">AAC Clyde Space</a> will deliver this using their own multispectral satellite images collected at 1.5 m resolution. This will give us broad and repeatable imaging of all our forests and woodlands to detect signs of dying trees such as “dead tops” on spruce caused by the <a href="https://forestry.gov.scot/sustainable-forestry/tree-health/tree-pests-and-diseases/great-spruce-bark-beetle-in-scotland">great spruce bark beetle</a> (<em>Dendroctonus micans</em>).</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Meanwhile, <a href="https://www.2excelaviation.com/">2Excel Aviation</a> is exploring how they can speed up processing of their 35 cm resolution hyperspectral imagery to deliver us alerts for finer scale symptoms such discoloured larch branches indicative of new infections with <a href="https://forestry.gov.scot/sustainable-forestry/tree-health/tree-pests-and-diseases/phytophthora-ramorum"><em>Phytophthora ramorum</em></a>. We are also working with them to understand if their imagery can help us learn about underlying stress that makes trees more susceptible to pests and diseases.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;"></span><br /><img src="https://forestry.gov.scot/images/2Excel_Geo_heat_map.JPG" width="100%" height="Auto853" alt="2Excel Geo heat map" /></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">(example of a heatmap supplied by 2Excel Aviation Ltd)</span></p>
<p><strong style="font-size: 14pt;">Challenges with Earth Observation techniques<br /></strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Of course, there are plenty challenges associated with EO use to pinpoint symptoms of pests and diseases that we’re working through with both companies. Our climate makes it harder to plan and collect cloud-free images for analysis. We want to prioritise surveys of the most damaging pests first but symptoms can be confused with signs of other stressors such as drought or mechanical damage. Plus, and maybe most importantly, the imagery is collected from directly above which is a very different view to what the ground surveyors will see, so we need to find ways to help them locate symptomatic trees.</span></p>
<p><img src="https://forestry.gov.scot/images/06_Mixed_conifer_aerial_with_Pr.JPG" width="100%" height="Auto" alt="06 Mixed conifer aerial with Pr" /></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">(aerial photo of mixed conifers showing <em>P. ramorum</em>)</span><strong><br /><br />Further information<br /></strong></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.civtech.scot/">CivTech</a> is a Scottish Government programme that brings the public, private and third sectors together to build things that make people’s lives better</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Scottish Forestry is collaborating with CivTech and the <a href="https://www.rbge.org.uk/">Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh</a> on <a href="https://www.civtech.scot/civtech-9-challenge-1-disease-stress-pest-detection-in-trees-plants">Challenge 9.1</a>. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">A demo of both prototypes will be filmed on 8<sup>th</sup> May at the CivTech Demo Day – check our <a href="https://www.civtech.scot/civtech-9-challenge-1-disease-stress-pest-detection-in-trees-plants">Challenge page</a> or follow us on social media to find out more.</span></p><p><img src="https://forestry.gov.scot/images/2Excel_Geo_heat_map.JPG" /></p><p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em>We're celebrating International Day of Forests 2024!</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em>This year’s theme is all about Forests and Innovation and Scottish Forestry is playing its part in driving forward the use of innovative technology to benefit the sector.</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em>In this guest blog, Flora Donald, our Tree Health Policy Officer, explains an exciting piece of work being undertaken through the CivTech Challenge which could help us monitor for tree pests and diseases. </em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em>Flora has been working with Kyle Usher, Scottish Forestry’s Head of Innovation, and Mike Kerr, Head of GIS, to take the project through its various stages with CivTech and the innovative companies involved.</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>Monitoring all of a country’s forests to spot signs of deadly tree pests and diseases<br /></strong></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">We set this as a Challenge and invited companies, large and small, to bring new energy and ideas to explore options with us via Scottish Government’s <a href="https://www.civtech.scot/" style="font-size: 0.9em;">CivTech</a> Programme, created to drive daring and innovation in the public sector.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Applicants to our Challenge suggested a wide range of solutions from ‘smart forests’ fitted with IOT sensors to mobile monitoring apps but we decided Earth Observation (EO) techniques show the best potential to provide us with new intel on pest and disease distributions.</span></p>
<p><br /><img src="https://forestry.gov.scot/images/07_Mixed_woodland_and_agri_with_unhealthy_Spruce.JPG" width="100%" height="Auto" alt="07 Mixed woodland and agri with unhealthy Spruce" /></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">(mixed conifers and agricultural land showing some unhealthy Spruce)</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>Selecting innovative companies through CivTech<br /></strong></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">We selected two companies, AAC Clyde Space and 2Excel Aviation, to develop complimentary prototype products showcasing how high resolution imagery could be collected and analysed to find early signs of pests and disease problems across Scotland’s 1.4 million hectares of forests and woodlands.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Both companies aim to provide the Tree Health team with a prioritised list of areas to follow up with ground surveys for pest/disease confirmation and to decide on the best course of action to stop further spread. If we can find these outbreaks earlier, it will help landowners take action to protect trees before the pest or pathogen spreads to the next tree or forest.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.aac-clyde.space/">AAC Clyde Space</a> will deliver this using their own multispectral satellite images collected at 1.5 m resolution. This will give us broad and repeatable imaging of all our forests and woodlands to detect signs of dying trees such as “dead tops” on spruce caused by the <a href="https://forestry.gov.scot/sustainable-forestry/tree-health/tree-pests-and-diseases/great-spruce-bark-beetle-in-scotland">great spruce bark beetle</a> (<em>Dendroctonus micans</em>).</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Meanwhile, <a href="https://www.2excelaviation.com/">2Excel Aviation</a> is exploring how they can speed up processing of their 35 cm resolution hyperspectral imagery to deliver us alerts for finer scale symptoms such discoloured larch branches indicative of new infections with <a href="https://forestry.gov.scot/sustainable-forestry/tree-health/tree-pests-and-diseases/phytophthora-ramorum"><em>Phytophthora ramorum</em></a>. We are also working with them to understand if their imagery can help us learn about underlying stress that makes trees more susceptible to pests and diseases.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;"></span><br /><img src="https://forestry.gov.scot/images/2Excel_Geo_heat_map.JPG" width="100%" height="Auto853" alt="2Excel Geo heat map" /></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">(example of a heatmap supplied by 2Excel Aviation Ltd)</span></p>
<p><strong style="font-size: 14pt;">Challenges with Earth Observation techniques<br /></strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Of course, there are plenty challenges associated with EO use to pinpoint symptoms of pests and diseases that we’re working through with both companies. Our climate makes it harder to plan and collect cloud-free images for analysis. We want to prioritise surveys of the most damaging pests first but symptoms can be confused with signs of other stressors such as drought or mechanical damage. Plus, and maybe most importantly, the imagery is collected from directly above which is a very different view to what the ground surveyors will see, so we need to find ways to help them locate symptomatic trees.</span></p>
<p><img src="https://forestry.gov.scot/images/06_Mixed_conifer_aerial_with_Pr.JPG" width="100%" height="Auto" alt="06 Mixed conifer aerial with Pr" /></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">(aerial photo of mixed conifers showing <em>P. ramorum</em>)</span><strong><br /><br />Further information<br /></strong></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.civtech.scot/">CivTech</a> is a Scottish Government programme that brings the public, private and third sectors together to build things that make people’s lives better</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Scottish Forestry is collaborating with CivTech and the <a href="https://www.rbge.org.uk/">Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh</a> on <a href="https://www.civtech.scot/civtech-9-challenge-1-disease-stress-pest-detection-in-trees-plants">Challenge 9.1</a>. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">A demo of both prototypes will be filmed on 8<sup>th</sup> May at the CivTech Demo Day – check our <a href="https://www.civtech.scot/civtech-9-challenge-1-disease-stress-pest-detection-in-trees-plants">Challenge page</a> or follow us on social media to find out more.</span></p>Buidheann na coilltearachd a’ foillseachadh Plana Gàidhlig (Forestry agency publishes Gaelic Language Plan)2024-02-21T10:16:57+00:002024-02-21T10:16:57+00:00https://forestry.gov.scot/news-releases/buidheann-na-coilltearachd-a-foillseachadh-plana-gaidhlig-forestry-agency-publishes-gaelic-language-planSteve Williamssteve.williams@forestryandland.gov.scot<p><img src="https://forestry.gov.scot/images/Forestry_83.jpg" /></p><p>Tha Coilltearachd na h-Alba air a’ chiad Phlana Gàidhlig riamh aca fhoillseachadh, a’ nochdadh a dealais agus taic dhan chànan dhùthchasach.</p>
<p>Chaidh am plana ùr fhoillseachadh às dèidh co-chomhairle anns an deach beachdan a shireadh air mar a dh’fhaodadh a’ bhuidheann cuideachadh gus a’ Ghàidhlig a dhìon.</p>
<p>Dh’obraich Bòrd na Gàidhlig, a’ phrìomh bhuidheann phoblach le uallach gus a’ Ghàidhlig a bhrosnachadh ann an Alba, còmhla ri Coilltearachd na h-Alba gus am plana cànain ùr a dheasachadh.</p>
<p>Thuirt Paul Lowe, Ceannard Coilltearachd na h-Alba:</p>
<p>"Tha sinn dealasach a thaobh na h-obrach as urrainn Coilltearachd na h-Alba a dhèanamh ann a bhith a’ cur ri inbhe, cleachdadh agus togail na Gàidhlig, an dà chuid gus amasan Bhòrd na Gàidhlig a thoirt air adhart agus gus cuideachadh le cur an gnìomh Plana Nàiseanta na Gàidhlig.</p>
<p>"Tha am plana ùr seo a’ toirt cothrom dhuinn sùil a thoirt air na tha sinn air coileanadh bho chaidh sinn nar Buidheann-gnìomha aig Riaghaltas na h-Alba ann an 2019 agus gus na gealltanasan againn dhan Ghàidhlig airson nan còig bliadhna ri teachd a dhearbhadh."</p>
<p>Tha Coilltearachd na h-Alba gu bhith a’ togail air an obair a th’ aca an-dràsta gus a’ Ghàidhlig a chur air adhart ann an trì prìomh dhòighean:</p>
<ul>
<li>a’ meudachadh cleachdadh na Gàidhlig taobh a-staigh Coilltearachd na h-Alba agus a’ brosnachadh barrachd dhaoine gus a’ Ghàidhlig a chleachdadh nas trice nuair a bhios iad a’ conaltradh leotha;</li>
<li>a’ cur ris na cothroman aig daoine a bhith ag ionnsachadh na Gàidhlig mar phàirt de dh’obair làitheil na buidhne; agus</li>
<li>a’ brosnachadh ìomhaigh fhàbharach dhan Ghàidhlig far an gabh seo dèanamh mar phàirt den obair làitheil aca mar bhuidheann</li>
</ul>
<p>Thuirt Ealasaid Dhòmhnallach, Ceannard, Bòrd na Gàidhlig:<br /><br />“Tha sinn toilichte fhaicinn gu bheilear a’ gabhail ris a’ phlana seo agus na geallaidhean a tha na bhroinn. Bidh buaidh mhòr aig na geallaidhean a bhuineas ri branndachd agus adhartachadh a’ chànain gu sònraichte air faicsinneachd a’ chànain nuair a bhios a’ bhuidheann a’ conaltradh ris a’ phoball.”</p>
<p>Chithear Plana Gàidhlig ùr Coilltearachd na h-Alba air-loidhne <a href="https://admin.prgloo.com/Chithear%20Plana Gàidhlig ùr Coilltearachd na h-Alba air-loidhne air an làraich-lìn aca">air an làraich-lìn aca</a>.</p>
<p><strong>Nòtaichean do Luchd-deasachaidh naidheachdan.</strong></p>
<ol>
<li> Air 1 Giblean 2019, chaidh tiomnadh chumhachdan coilltearachd gu Ministearan na h-Alba a chrìochnachadh. Leis na h-ullachaidhean ùra, chaidh buidheann-gnìomha ùr aig Riaghaltas na h-Alba, Coilltearachd na h-Alba, a chur an àite Coimisean na Coilltearachd Alba. <br /><br />2. Tha uallach air Coilltearachd na h-Alba poileasaidh coilltearachd Ministearan na h-Alba a lìbhrigeadh cho math ri bhith a’ lìbhrigeadh riaghladh, brosnachaidhean tro thabhartasan, comhairle theicnigeach air coilltearachd agus rèiteachaidhean ùra tar-chrìochan. </li>
</ol>
<p><a href="http://www.forestry.gov.scot/">www.forestry.gov.scot</a> | <a href="http://www.twitter.com/ScotForestryMedia">www.twitter.com/ScotForestry | </a><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/scottishforestry">LinkedIn </a>|<a href="https://www.instagram.com/scottishforestry/"> Instagram</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Forestry agency publishes Gaelic Language Plan </strong></p>
<p>Scottish Forestry has published its first ever Gaelic Language Plan, demonstrating its commitment and support for the native language.</p>
<p>The new plan has been produced after a consultation period which sought views on how the agency could help promote and protect the Gaelic language.</p>
<p>Bòrd na Gàidhlig, the principal public body responsible for promoting Gaelic in Scotland, worked with Scottish Forestry in the production of the new language plan.</p>
<p>Paul Lowe, Chief Executive at Scottish Forestry said:</p>
<p>“We are committed to the role that Scottish Forestry can play in enhancing the status, supporting the usage of and development of Gaelic language skills, both to further the aims of Bòrd na Gàidhlig and to assist in the delivery of the National Gaelic Plan.</p>
<p>“This new plan allows us to take stock of what we have achieved since becoming a Scottish Government Agency in 2019 and confirm our commitments to Gaelic for the next five years.”</p>
<p>Scottish Forestry is to build on its current work to promote Gaelic under three key themes:</p>
<ul>
<li>increasing the use of Gaelic within Scottish Forestry and encouraging more people to use Gaelic, more often when they interact with them;</li>
<li>increasing the opportunity for people to learn Gaelic as part of the agency’s day-to-day operations; and</li>
<li>promoting a positive image of Gaelic whenever Scottish Forestry can as part of their day-to-day operations as an organisation.</li>
</ul>
<p>Ealasaid MacDonald, Ceannard, Bòrd na Gàidhlig, said:<br /><br />“We’re pleased to see this plan being approved and the commitments within it being adopted. The commitments around branding and promotion of the language in particular will have a big impact on the visibility of the language when communicating with the public.”</p>
<p>Scottish Forestry’s new Gaelic Language Plan can be viewed online via their<a href="https://forestry.gov.scot/about/our-plans-and-programmes"> website.</a></p>
<p><strong> </strong><strong>Notes to news editors.</strong></p>
<ol>
<li> On 1st April 2019, the devolution of forestry to Scottish Ministers was completed. With the new arrangements, Forestry Commission Scotland was replaced by a new Scottish Government agency called Scottish Forestry. <br /><br />2. Scottish Forestry is responsible for delivering Scottish Ministers’ forestry policy, regulation, grants incentives, technical forestry advice and new cross border arrangements. <a href="http://www.forestry.gov.scot/">www.forestry.gov.scot</a>| <a href="http://www.twitter.com/ScotForestryMedia">www.twitter.com/ScotForestry | </a><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/scottishforestry">LinkedIn </a>|<a href="https://www.instagram.com/scottishforestry/"> Instagram</a><strong style="font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.1px;"> </strong></li>
</ol><p><img src="https://forestry.gov.scot/images/Forestry_83.jpg" /></p><p>Tha Coilltearachd na h-Alba air a’ chiad Phlana Gàidhlig riamh aca fhoillseachadh, a’ nochdadh a dealais agus taic dhan chànan dhùthchasach.</p>
<p>Chaidh am plana ùr fhoillseachadh às dèidh co-chomhairle anns an deach beachdan a shireadh air mar a dh’fhaodadh a’ bhuidheann cuideachadh gus a’ Ghàidhlig a dhìon.</p>
<p>Dh’obraich Bòrd na Gàidhlig, a’ phrìomh bhuidheann phoblach le uallach gus a’ Ghàidhlig a bhrosnachadh ann an Alba, còmhla ri Coilltearachd na h-Alba gus am plana cànain ùr a dheasachadh.</p>
<p>Thuirt Paul Lowe, Ceannard Coilltearachd na h-Alba:</p>
<p>"Tha sinn dealasach a thaobh na h-obrach as urrainn Coilltearachd na h-Alba a dhèanamh ann a bhith a’ cur ri inbhe, cleachdadh agus togail na Gàidhlig, an dà chuid gus amasan Bhòrd na Gàidhlig a thoirt air adhart agus gus cuideachadh le cur an gnìomh Plana Nàiseanta na Gàidhlig.</p>
<p>"Tha am plana ùr seo a’ toirt cothrom dhuinn sùil a thoirt air na tha sinn air coileanadh bho chaidh sinn nar Buidheann-gnìomha aig Riaghaltas na h-Alba ann an 2019 agus gus na gealltanasan againn dhan Ghàidhlig airson nan còig bliadhna ri teachd a dhearbhadh."</p>
<p>Tha Coilltearachd na h-Alba gu bhith a’ togail air an obair a th’ aca an-dràsta gus a’ Ghàidhlig a chur air adhart ann an trì prìomh dhòighean:</p>
<ul>
<li>a’ meudachadh cleachdadh na Gàidhlig taobh a-staigh Coilltearachd na h-Alba agus a’ brosnachadh barrachd dhaoine gus a’ Ghàidhlig a chleachdadh nas trice nuair a bhios iad a’ conaltradh leotha;</li>
<li>a’ cur ris na cothroman aig daoine a bhith ag ionnsachadh na Gàidhlig mar phàirt de dh’obair làitheil na buidhne; agus</li>
<li>a’ brosnachadh ìomhaigh fhàbharach dhan Ghàidhlig far an gabh seo dèanamh mar phàirt den obair làitheil aca mar bhuidheann</li>
</ul>
<p>Thuirt Ealasaid Dhòmhnallach, Ceannard, Bòrd na Gàidhlig:<br /><br />“Tha sinn toilichte fhaicinn gu bheilear a’ gabhail ris a’ phlana seo agus na geallaidhean a tha na bhroinn. Bidh buaidh mhòr aig na geallaidhean a bhuineas ri branndachd agus adhartachadh a’ chànain gu sònraichte air faicsinneachd a’ chànain nuair a bhios a’ bhuidheann a’ conaltradh ris a’ phoball.”</p>
<p>Chithear Plana Gàidhlig ùr Coilltearachd na h-Alba air-loidhne <a href="https://admin.prgloo.com/Chithear%20Plana Gàidhlig ùr Coilltearachd na h-Alba air-loidhne air an làraich-lìn aca">air an làraich-lìn aca</a>.</p>
<p><strong>Nòtaichean do Luchd-deasachaidh naidheachdan.</strong></p>
<ol>
<li> Air 1 Giblean 2019, chaidh tiomnadh chumhachdan coilltearachd gu Ministearan na h-Alba a chrìochnachadh. Leis na h-ullachaidhean ùra, chaidh buidheann-gnìomha ùr aig Riaghaltas na h-Alba, Coilltearachd na h-Alba, a chur an àite Coimisean na Coilltearachd Alba. <br /><br />2. Tha uallach air Coilltearachd na h-Alba poileasaidh coilltearachd Ministearan na h-Alba a lìbhrigeadh cho math ri bhith a’ lìbhrigeadh riaghladh, brosnachaidhean tro thabhartasan, comhairle theicnigeach air coilltearachd agus rèiteachaidhean ùra tar-chrìochan. </li>
</ol>
<p><a href="http://www.forestry.gov.scot/">www.forestry.gov.scot</a> | <a href="http://www.twitter.com/ScotForestryMedia">www.twitter.com/ScotForestry | </a><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/scottishforestry">LinkedIn </a>|<a href="https://www.instagram.com/scottishforestry/"> Instagram</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Forestry agency publishes Gaelic Language Plan </strong></p>
<p>Scottish Forestry has published its first ever Gaelic Language Plan, demonstrating its commitment and support for the native language.</p>
<p>The new plan has been produced after a consultation period which sought views on how the agency could help promote and protect the Gaelic language.</p>
<p>Bòrd na Gàidhlig, the principal public body responsible for promoting Gaelic in Scotland, worked with Scottish Forestry in the production of the new language plan.</p>
<p>Paul Lowe, Chief Executive at Scottish Forestry said:</p>
<p>“We are committed to the role that Scottish Forestry can play in enhancing the status, supporting the usage of and development of Gaelic language skills, both to further the aims of Bòrd na Gàidhlig and to assist in the delivery of the National Gaelic Plan.</p>
<p>“This new plan allows us to take stock of what we have achieved since becoming a Scottish Government Agency in 2019 and confirm our commitments to Gaelic for the next five years.”</p>
<p>Scottish Forestry is to build on its current work to promote Gaelic under three key themes:</p>
<ul>
<li>increasing the use of Gaelic within Scottish Forestry and encouraging more people to use Gaelic, more often when they interact with them;</li>
<li>increasing the opportunity for people to learn Gaelic as part of the agency’s day-to-day operations; and</li>
<li>promoting a positive image of Gaelic whenever Scottish Forestry can as part of their day-to-day operations as an organisation.</li>
</ul>
<p>Ealasaid MacDonald, Ceannard, Bòrd na Gàidhlig, said:<br /><br />“We’re pleased to see this plan being approved and the commitments within it being adopted. The commitments around branding and promotion of the language in particular will have a big impact on the visibility of the language when communicating with the public.”</p>
<p>Scottish Forestry’s new Gaelic Language Plan can be viewed online via their<a href="https://forestry.gov.scot/about/our-plans-and-programmes"> website.</a></p>
<p><strong> </strong><strong>Notes to news editors.</strong></p>
<ol>
<li> On 1st April 2019, the devolution of forestry to Scottish Ministers was completed. With the new arrangements, Forestry Commission Scotland was replaced by a new Scottish Government agency called Scottish Forestry. <br /><br />2. Scottish Forestry is responsible for delivering Scottish Ministers’ forestry policy, regulation, grants incentives, technical forestry advice and new cross border arrangements. <a href="http://www.forestry.gov.scot/">www.forestry.gov.scot</a>| <a href="http://www.twitter.com/ScotForestryMedia">www.twitter.com/ScotForestry | </a><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/scottishforestry">LinkedIn </a>|<a href="https://www.instagram.com/scottishforestry/"> Instagram</a><strong style="font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.1px;"> </strong></li>
</ol>£2 million investment in timber transport for Scotland2024-02-15T14:55:40+00:002024-02-15T14:55:40+00:00https://forestry.gov.scot/news-releases/2-million-investment-in-timber-transport-for-scotlandSteve Williamssteve.williams@forestryandland.gov.scot<p><img src="https://forestry.gov.scot/images/Volvo_EV_truck_3.jpg" /></p><p>Scottish Forestry is investing £2 million towards timber transport projects across Scotland.</p>
<p>The funding will help decarbonise the forestry sector and reduce the impacts of timber lorries on communities and the environment. </p>
<p>As part of the timber transport boost, Scottish Forestry has confirmed continued funding of £1.2 million for projects including <a href="https://forestry.gov.scot/forestry-business/timber-transport/timberlink">TimberLINK</a>, other road improvements, the <a href="https://forestry.gov.scot/news-releases/electric-timber-trucks-to-be-trialled-in-scotland">three-year electric lorry trial</a> and <a href="https://timbertransportforum.org.uk/">Timber Transport Forum</a> project officers.</p>
<p>Around £800,000 of the funding is to kickstart bids for new projects from local authorities and landowners, who have until <strong>21<sup>st</sup> March 2024</strong> to submit their plans. </p>
<p>Announcing the Strategic Timber Transport Fund support, Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said:</p>
<p>“Providing support to the forestry sector to help get its timber to market in a sustainable way is an important investment for the longer-term.</p>
<p>“We are focussing the funding towards projects that contribute towards Net Zero by promoting a modal shift in timber transport, whilst also ensuring rural communities and other road users benefit at the same time.</p>
<p>“With funding for new project proposals now open, I would encourage local authorities and woodland owners to work up their plans and apply before the deadline.”</p>
<p>The call for new proposals is to support preparatory works and smaller scale strategic projects.</p>
<p>Preparatory work may involve surveys or working up detailed plans to enable future bids.</p>
<p>Smaller scale projects could include decarbonisation work, sharing good practice, or new research to help the sector deliver timber safely.</p>
<p>Welcoming the funding, Neil Stoddart of Creel Maritime Ltd, who is managing the three-year electric lorry trial said:</p>
<p>“The Net Zero EV HGV demonstrator project has successfully proven both the abilities and also highlighted the challenges associated with transitioning to alternative fuels in the forestry sector. <br /><br />“To date, the two trial vehicles are performing well and after some teething problems with charging infrastructure, have now settled into robust work patterns – delivering goods and information for the project.”</p>
<p>Aurelia Peddie, Commercial and TimberLINK Manager, with Associated British Ports, added:</p>
<p>“TimberLINK has gone from strength to strength in recent years with the 2,000 tonne MV Runner, chartered by Associated British Ports, shipping in excess of 70,000 tonnes of timber last year. This is good news for decarbonisation and of course the environment as using the ship to transport timber, instead of lorries, avoided around 42,000 tonnes of harmful CO2 being used.</p>
<p>“I would also highlight the value of this project in providing a focus for a range of stakeholders across the forestry supply chains, including the maritime sector, to work together and collaborate towards a more sustainable future.”</p>
<p>More information on applying for Strategic Timber Transport Funding can be found on the <a href="https://forestry.gov.scot/forestry-business/timber-transport/strategic-timber-transport-scheme">Scottish Forestry website</a> or by contacting <a href="mailto:William.clark@forestry.gov.scot">William.clark@forestry.gov.scot</a>.</p><p><img src="https://forestry.gov.scot/images/Volvo_EV_truck_3.jpg" /></p><p>Scottish Forestry is investing £2 million towards timber transport projects across Scotland.</p>
<p>The funding will help decarbonise the forestry sector and reduce the impacts of timber lorries on communities and the environment. </p>
<p>As part of the timber transport boost, Scottish Forestry has confirmed continued funding of £1.2 million for projects including <a href="https://forestry.gov.scot/forestry-business/timber-transport/timberlink">TimberLINK</a>, other road improvements, the <a href="https://forestry.gov.scot/news-releases/electric-timber-trucks-to-be-trialled-in-scotland">three-year electric lorry trial</a> and <a href="https://timbertransportforum.org.uk/">Timber Transport Forum</a> project officers.</p>
<p>Around £800,000 of the funding is to kickstart bids for new projects from local authorities and landowners, who have until <strong>21<sup>st</sup> March 2024</strong> to submit their plans. </p>
<p>Announcing the Strategic Timber Transport Fund support, Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said:</p>
<p>“Providing support to the forestry sector to help get its timber to market in a sustainable way is an important investment for the longer-term.</p>
<p>“We are focussing the funding towards projects that contribute towards Net Zero by promoting a modal shift in timber transport, whilst also ensuring rural communities and other road users benefit at the same time.</p>
<p>“With funding for new project proposals now open, I would encourage local authorities and woodland owners to work up their plans and apply before the deadline.”</p>
<p>The call for new proposals is to support preparatory works and smaller scale strategic projects.</p>
<p>Preparatory work may involve surveys or working up detailed plans to enable future bids.</p>
<p>Smaller scale projects could include decarbonisation work, sharing good practice, or new research to help the sector deliver timber safely.</p>
<p>Welcoming the funding, Neil Stoddart of Creel Maritime Ltd, who is managing the three-year electric lorry trial said:</p>
<p>“The Net Zero EV HGV demonstrator project has successfully proven both the abilities and also highlighted the challenges associated with transitioning to alternative fuels in the forestry sector. <br /><br />“To date, the two trial vehicles are performing well and after some teething problems with charging infrastructure, have now settled into robust work patterns – delivering goods and information for the project.”</p>
<p>Aurelia Peddie, Commercial and TimberLINK Manager, with Associated British Ports, added:</p>
<p>“TimberLINK has gone from strength to strength in recent years with the 2,000 tonne MV Runner, chartered by Associated British Ports, shipping in excess of 70,000 tonnes of timber last year. This is good news for decarbonisation and of course the environment as using the ship to transport timber, instead of lorries, avoided around 42,000 tonnes of harmful CO2 being used.</p>
<p>“I would also highlight the value of this project in providing a focus for a range of stakeholders across the forestry supply chains, including the maritime sector, to work together and collaborate towards a more sustainable future.”</p>
<p>More information on applying for Strategic Timber Transport Funding can be found on the <a href="https://forestry.gov.scot/forestry-business/timber-transport/strategic-timber-transport-scheme">Scottish Forestry website</a> or by contacting <a href="mailto:William.clark@forestry.gov.scot">William.clark@forestry.gov.scot</a>.</p>Beetle restrictions will allow trade to continue with Ireland2024-02-07T09:00:50+00:002024-02-07T09:00:50+00:00https://forestry.gov.scot/news-releases/beetle-restrictions-will-allow-trade-to-continue-with-irelandSteve Williamssteve.williams@forestryandland.gov.scot<p><img src="https://forestry.gov.scot/images/D._Micans_Credit_FLS.jpg" /></p><p>Scottish Forestry has been working closely with the Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland governments to bring in measures which will reduce the risks posed by the great spruce bark beetle, <em>Dendroctonus micans</em>.</p>
<p>New restrictions will be imposed on moving spruce logs with bark to the island of Ireland from some of the west of Scotland’s Pest Free Area (PFA).</p>
<p>A 35 km buffer zone will be put in place around findings of the <em>D. micans</em> bark beetle.</p>
<p>Under the new measures:</p>
<ul>
<li>Spruce timber moving under phytosanitary certificate will only be allowed to travel through the 35 km buffer zone between 1st October and 31st March, which is outside of the flying season for the <em>D. micans</em> bark beetle.<br /><br /></li>
<li>During this period between 1st October and 31<sup>st</sup> March, the timber should not be stored in the buffer zone but can be loaded at ports. <br /><br /></li>
<li>Phytosanitary certificates confirming that conifer timber is free from <em>D. micans</em> will not be issued within 35 km of a beetle finding.</li>
</ul>
<p>James Nott, Head of Tree Health at Scottish Forestry said:</p>
<p>“Both the West of Scotland and island of Ireland have pest free status for <em>D. micans</em> and a number of other bark beetles. <br />“It is important that we are both able to maintain this status which has been in place for many years as it allows trade to continue. <br /><br />“In Scotland, the <em>D. micans</em> bark beetle is getting gradually closer to the PFA boundary. Although no beetles have been found within the PFA it is no longer possible to guarantee freedom from this beetle in all areas.</p>
<p>“As a precautionary measure, to maintain the integrity of the rest of the west of Scotland PFA, it is necessary to introduce measures to mitigate the risk.</p>
<p>“This action will enable trade from the rest of the PFA to continue. However, if the beetles continue to spread, the longer-term prospect is for the area of the west of Scotland PFA to reduce and ultimately close.”</p>
<p>Scottish Forestry has published an <a href="https://forestry.gov.scot/publications/1546-pfa-action-plan/viewdocument/1546">Action Plan</a>, including a map showing the area of the PFA immediately affected by these new restrictions due to current confirmed findings of <em>D. micans </em>within 35 km. No further phytosanitary certificates will be issued for spruce roundwood from within this area of the PFA.</p>
<p>As the port of Sandbank is within this area, export of spruce roundwood from unaffected parts of the PFA to the island of Ireland through Sandbank will only be allowed between 1st October and 31st March. </p><p><img src="https://forestry.gov.scot/images/D._Micans_Credit_FLS.jpg" /></p><p>Scottish Forestry has been working closely with the Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland governments to bring in measures which will reduce the risks posed by the great spruce bark beetle, <em>Dendroctonus micans</em>.</p>
<p>New restrictions will be imposed on moving spruce logs with bark to the island of Ireland from some of the west of Scotland’s Pest Free Area (PFA).</p>
<p>A 35 km buffer zone will be put in place around findings of the <em>D. micans</em> bark beetle.</p>
<p>Under the new measures:</p>
<ul>
<li>Spruce timber moving under phytosanitary certificate will only be allowed to travel through the 35 km buffer zone between 1st October and 31st March, which is outside of the flying season for the <em>D. micans</em> bark beetle.<br /><br /></li>
<li>During this period between 1st October and 31<sup>st</sup> March, the timber should not be stored in the buffer zone but can be loaded at ports. <br /><br /></li>
<li>Phytosanitary certificates confirming that conifer timber is free from <em>D. micans</em> will not be issued within 35 km of a beetle finding.</li>
</ul>
<p>James Nott, Head of Tree Health at Scottish Forestry said:</p>
<p>“Both the West of Scotland and island of Ireland have pest free status for <em>D. micans</em> and a number of other bark beetles. <br />“It is important that we are both able to maintain this status which has been in place for many years as it allows trade to continue. <br /><br />“In Scotland, the <em>D. micans</em> bark beetle is getting gradually closer to the PFA boundary. Although no beetles have been found within the PFA it is no longer possible to guarantee freedom from this beetle in all areas.</p>
<p>“As a precautionary measure, to maintain the integrity of the rest of the west of Scotland PFA, it is necessary to introduce measures to mitigate the risk.</p>
<p>“This action will enable trade from the rest of the PFA to continue. However, if the beetles continue to spread, the longer-term prospect is for the area of the west of Scotland PFA to reduce and ultimately close.”</p>
<p>Scottish Forestry has published an <a href="https://forestry.gov.scot/publications/1546-pfa-action-plan/viewdocument/1546">Action Plan</a>, including a map showing the area of the PFA immediately affected by these new restrictions due to current confirmed findings of <em>D. micans </em>within 35 km. No further phytosanitary certificates will be issued for spruce roundwood from within this area of the PFA.</p>
<p>As the port of Sandbank is within this area, export of spruce roundwood from unaffected parts of the PFA to the island of Ireland through Sandbank will only be allowed between 1st October and 31st March. </p>Deadline extended for forestry grant claims2024-02-06T11:50:29+00:002024-02-06T11:50:29+00:00https://forestry.gov.scot/news-releases/deadline-extended-for-forestry-grant-claimsSteve Williamssteve.williams@forestryandland.gov.scot<p><img src="https://forestry.gov.scot/images/Planting_2.jpg" /></p><p>In a move to give woodland owners every opportunity to create more woodland this year, Scottish Forestry is to extend the deadline for grant claims.</p>
<p>In order to maximise the use of this year’s 2023/24 Forestry Grant Scheme (FGS) budget, and avoid slippage into the following year, Scottish Forestry is giving another six weeks for projects to be finalised. </p>
<p>The end of the claim year will now be extended up until the 17<sup>th</sup> May 2024, allowing woodland owners extra time to complete their projects, carry out the required paperwork, and submit 2023 claims for FGS capital funding.</p>
<p>Keeping up the momentum and getting as many trees in the ground as possible this year and next could help the case to lever in additional funding in future years.</p>
<p>Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said:</p>
<p>“It is critical that we make the most of the available funds during this financial year as next year’s budget for woodland creation has unfortunately had to be greatly reduced.</p>
<p>“By extending the deadline it will assist woodland owners to complete their projects and carry out the paperwork needed to get their claims in for this planting year. Importantly, this action will avoid some slippage of projects rolling into the next financial year and eating into the reduced budget. </p>
<p>“This measure has been discussed with key forestry and rural stakeholders who have indicated their support for extending the end of year claims deadline.”</p>
<p>Scottish Forestry has been meeting <a href="https://www.confor.org.uk/">Confor</a> and other stakeholders through the <a href="https://forestry.gov.scot/support-regulations/customer-representatives-group">Customer Representative Group</a> to discuss how best to support the sector with next year’s budget.</p>
<p>These meetings will continue so that all avenues are explored so that the Forestry Grant Scheme can continue to provide a mix of funding for a variety of projects.</p>
<p>Stuart Goodall, Chief Executive of forestry trade body Confor added:</p>
<p>“The extension to the deadline for claiming grant this year is welcome.</p>
<p>“There’s very strong interest in woodland creation and maximising what is funded this year is an important component in satisfying as much of that demand as we can.</p>
<p>“A strong year will also demonstrate clearly the demand is there and that future funds need to be found to realise the industry’s important contribution to tackling damaging climate change.”</p>
<p>Brendan Callaghan, Director of Operational Delivery at Scottish Forestry commented:</p>
<p>“We are currently considering a number of options which we believe will make the most of the money that we have available for next year’s budget. We hope to say more on that in the near future.”</p>
<p>A technical advice note for forestry agents and managers on the deadline extension is available on the Scottish Forestry <a href="https://forestry.gov.scot/publications/1545-sf-briefing-note-46-fgs-budget-and-end-of-claim-year-management/viewdocument/1545">website</a>. </p><p><img src="https://forestry.gov.scot/images/Planting_2.jpg" /></p><p>In a move to give woodland owners every opportunity to create more woodland this year, Scottish Forestry is to extend the deadline for grant claims.</p>
<p>In order to maximise the use of this year’s 2023/24 Forestry Grant Scheme (FGS) budget, and avoid slippage into the following year, Scottish Forestry is giving another six weeks for projects to be finalised. </p>
<p>The end of the claim year will now be extended up until the 17<sup>th</sup> May 2024, allowing woodland owners extra time to complete their projects, carry out the required paperwork, and submit 2023 claims for FGS capital funding.</p>
<p>Keeping up the momentum and getting as many trees in the ground as possible this year and next could help the case to lever in additional funding in future years.</p>
<p>Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said:</p>
<p>“It is critical that we make the most of the available funds during this financial year as next year’s budget for woodland creation has unfortunately had to be greatly reduced.</p>
<p>“By extending the deadline it will assist woodland owners to complete their projects and carry out the paperwork needed to get their claims in for this planting year. Importantly, this action will avoid some slippage of projects rolling into the next financial year and eating into the reduced budget. </p>
<p>“This measure has been discussed with key forestry and rural stakeholders who have indicated their support for extending the end of year claims deadline.”</p>
<p>Scottish Forestry has been meeting <a href="https://www.confor.org.uk/">Confor</a> and other stakeholders through the <a href="https://forestry.gov.scot/support-regulations/customer-representatives-group">Customer Representative Group</a> to discuss how best to support the sector with next year’s budget.</p>
<p>These meetings will continue so that all avenues are explored so that the Forestry Grant Scheme can continue to provide a mix of funding for a variety of projects.</p>
<p>Stuart Goodall, Chief Executive of forestry trade body Confor added:</p>
<p>“The extension to the deadline for claiming grant this year is welcome.</p>
<p>“There’s very strong interest in woodland creation and maximising what is funded this year is an important component in satisfying as much of that demand as we can.</p>
<p>“A strong year will also demonstrate clearly the demand is there and that future funds need to be found to realise the industry’s important contribution to tackling damaging climate change.”</p>
<p>Brendan Callaghan, Director of Operational Delivery at Scottish Forestry commented:</p>
<p>“We are currently considering a number of options which we believe will make the most of the money that we have available for next year’s budget. We hope to say more on that in the near future.”</p>
<p>A technical advice note for forestry agents and managers on the deadline extension is available on the Scottish Forestry <a href="https://forestry.gov.scot/publications/1545-sf-briefing-note-46-fgs-budget-and-end-of-claim-year-management/viewdocument/1545">website</a>. </p>Momentum on creating woodlands continues after summit2024-01-25T08:42:11+00:002024-01-25T08:42:11+00:00https://forestry.gov.scot/news-releases/momentum-on-creating-woodlands-continues-after-summitSteve Williamssteve.williams@forestryandland.gov.scot<p><img src="https://forestry.gov.scot/images/Summit_lectern_pic.jpg" /></p><p>Woodland owners, forestry companies, farmers and other landowners are being urged to keep up the momentum and continue getting trees in the ground during this planting season.</p>
<p>The call comes as Scottish Forestry shares a summary of the main discussion points from last December’s forestry summit with participants and the wider sector.</p>
<p>At the summit, a record number of 13,111 ha worth of woodland creation scheme approvals were announced. New figures reveal that Scottish Forestry has now approved 13,823 ha.</p>
<p>Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said:</p>
<p>“The summit was extremely useful in that it identified a number of themes which both government and the various sectors can work collectively on to improve woodland creation levels.</p>
<p>“I know many in the forest industries are disappointed about next year’s budget. There is no doubt difficult decisions have had to be made but I want to keep discussing how we get the best out of the available funding and use it to achieve as much planting and woodland creation as possible.</p>
<p>“There is no shortage of funding available in the current year and arguably it is even more important to turn these record approvals into record planting. We know we have the grant monies available now, let’s make sure we pay these out and get these trees in the ground.”</p>
<p>The December forestry summit undertook a number of workshops to explore barriers and opportunities to delivering increased woodland creation.</p>
<p>Some common themes raised included:</p>
<ul>
<li>The need for a more streamlined woodland creation process, guidance on further information to support applications and criteria for applications being returned for further work;</li>
<li>Clarity on timeframes for all parties involved in the application process;</li>
<li>Clearer and fewer policy priorities and improved vision for future forests;</li>
<li>Using a wider range of woodland and silvicultural models to create resilient forests;</li>
<li>Better policy integration between forestry and farming</li>
<li>More joint working and public/private training across the sector and better communication across all parts of the industry;</li>
<li>Manging deer numbers to lower levels, targeted intervention and political leadership to use powers that exist to support landscape-scale control.</li>
</ul>
<p>The summary note detailing the key points raised at the Woodland Creation Summit is available on the <a href="https://forestry.gov.scot/publications/1543-overview-of-the-woodland-creation-summit-12-december-2023">Scottish Forestry website</a>. </p>
<p>Alan Hampson, Head of Policy at Scottish Forestry added:</p>
<p>“We are taking the feedback from the summit to work up options to improve woodland creation rates and this will include developing a route map so that we have a clear direction that we can collectively work from.</p>
<p>“In addition to this, the senior team in Scottish Forestry has been in meetings with Confor to explore ways to maximise the best use of the tough budget settlement that is forecast for next year. This will be an on-going process so that we can support the industry as best we can.”</p><p><img src="https://forestry.gov.scot/images/Summit_lectern_pic.jpg" /></p><p>Woodland owners, forestry companies, farmers and other landowners are being urged to keep up the momentum and continue getting trees in the ground during this planting season.</p>
<p>The call comes as Scottish Forestry shares a summary of the main discussion points from last December’s forestry summit with participants and the wider sector.</p>
<p>At the summit, a record number of 13,111 ha worth of woodland creation scheme approvals were announced. New figures reveal that Scottish Forestry has now approved 13,823 ha.</p>
<p>Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said:</p>
<p>“The summit was extremely useful in that it identified a number of themes which both government and the various sectors can work collectively on to improve woodland creation levels.</p>
<p>“I know many in the forest industries are disappointed about next year’s budget. There is no doubt difficult decisions have had to be made but I want to keep discussing how we get the best out of the available funding and use it to achieve as much planting and woodland creation as possible.</p>
<p>“There is no shortage of funding available in the current year and arguably it is even more important to turn these record approvals into record planting. We know we have the grant monies available now, let’s make sure we pay these out and get these trees in the ground.”</p>
<p>The December forestry summit undertook a number of workshops to explore barriers and opportunities to delivering increased woodland creation.</p>
<p>Some common themes raised included:</p>
<ul>
<li>The need for a more streamlined woodland creation process, guidance on further information to support applications and criteria for applications being returned for further work;</li>
<li>Clarity on timeframes for all parties involved in the application process;</li>
<li>Clearer and fewer policy priorities and improved vision for future forests;</li>
<li>Using a wider range of woodland and silvicultural models to create resilient forests;</li>
<li>Better policy integration between forestry and farming</li>
<li>More joint working and public/private training across the sector and better communication across all parts of the industry;</li>
<li>Manging deer numbers to lower levels, targeted intervention and political leadership to use powers that exist to support landscape-scale control.</li>
</ul>
<p>The summary note detailing the key points raised at the Woodland Creation Summit is available on the <a href="https://forestry.gov.scot/publications/1543-overview-of-the-woodland-creation-summit-12-december-2023">Scottish Forestry website</a>. </p>
<p>Alan Hampson, Head of Policy at Scottish Forestry added:</p>
<p>“We are taking the feedback from the summit to work up options to improve woodland creation rates and this will include developing a route map so that we have a clear direction that we can collectively work from.</p>
<p>“In addition to this, the senior team in Scottish Forestry has been in meetings with Confor to explore ways to maximise the best use of the tough budget settlement that is forecast for next year. This will be an on-going process so that we can support the industry as best we can.”</p>Deadline closing for free Farm Woodland Assessments2024-01-08T12:29:38+00:002024-01-08T12:29:38+00:00https://forestry.gov.scot/news-releases/deadline-closing-for-free-farm-woodland-assessmentsSteve Williamssteve.williams@forestryandland.gov.scot<p><img src="https://forestry.gov.scot/images/A_Peebles_Saughland_Sheep.jpg" /></p><p>Farmers and land managers in the central belt have only three weeks left to take advantage of Farm Woodland Assessments which are being organised by Scottish Forestry.</p>
<p>As part of a national drive to promote the benefits of tree planting to farmers, the assessments being offered are free and with no obligation.</p>
<p>A Farm Woodland Assessment gives farmers and landowners a report detailing potential areas for planting, the forestry grants available, identifies any constraints, and provides valuable information on projected income and expenditure.</p>
<p>Already, almost 70 assessments have taken place in the central belt, resulting in over 600 hectares of new woodland being created. The registration for the assessments closes on 31<sup>st</sup> January 2024. </p>
<p>Will Chadwick, Woodland Creation Officer with Scottish Forestry said:</p>
<p>“There’s huge interest from farmers and other landowners to integrate trees into their businesses. The benefits are many and can include shelter and shade for livestock, an improvement in biodiversity, a possible wood fuel resource and a future income.</p>
<p>“Some farmers will be considering their options for the year ahead and for many, tree planting will be getting considered. Getting a free Farm Woodland Assessments is a simple way to have the tree planting potential of a farm or landholding properly mapped out for them, and with no obligation.”</p>
<p>The assessments also advise on future management of a new woodland, right up to the first returns from harvesting the trees.</p>
<p>Applicants for a free Farm Woodland Assessment must be within the <a href="https://centralscotlandgreennetwork.org/about/">Central Scotland Green Network</a> area, with an added focus around the <a href="https://www.clydeclimateforest.co.uk/">Clyde Climate Forest</a> and <a href="https://www.stir.ac.uk/about/scotlands-international-environment-centre/forth-climate-forest/">Forth Climate Forest</a> catchments. </p>
<p>There are a limited number of assessments available so farmers and landowners are advised to register interest quickly before the deadline.</p>
<p><strong>To express your interest in a free farm woodland assessment please complete and return the application form at <a href="https://forestry.gov.scot/support-regulations/farm-woodlands">Scottish Forestry - Farm woodlands</a>.</strong></p><p><img src="https://forestry.gov.scot/images/A_Peebles_Saughland_Sheep.jpg" /></p><p>Farmers and land managers in the central belt have only three weeks left to take advantage of Farm Woodland Assessments which are being organised by Scottish Forestry.</p>
<p>As part of a national drive to promote the benefits of tree planting to farmers, the assessments being offered are free and with no obligation.</p>
<p>A Farm Woodland Assessment gives farmers and landowners a report detailing potential areas for planting, the forestry grants available, identifies any constraints, and provides valuable information on projected income and expenditure.</p>
<p>Already, almost 70 assessments have taken place in the central belt, resulting in over 600 hectares of new woodland being created. The registration for the assessments closes on 31<sup>st</sup> January 2024. </p>
<p>Will Chadwick, Woodland Creation Officer with Scottish Forestry said:</p>
<p>“There’s huge interest from farmers and other landowners to integrate trees into their businesses. The benefits are many and can include shelter and shade for livestock, an improvement in biodiversity, a possible wood fuel resource and a future income.</p>
<p>“Some farmers will be considering their options for the year ahead and for many, tree planting will be getting considered. Getting a free Farm Woodland Assessments is a simple way to have the tree planting potential of a farm or landholding properly mapped out for them, and with no obligation.”</p>
<p>The assessments also advise on future management of a new woodland, right up to the first returns from harvesting the trees.</p>
<p>Applicants for a free Farm Woodland Assessment must be within the <a href="https://centralscotlandgreennetwork.org/about/">Central Scotland Green Network</a> area, with an added focus around the <a href="https://www.clydeclimateforest.co.uk/">Clyde Climate Forest</a> and <a href="https://www.stir.ac.uk/about/scotlands-international-environment-centre/forth-climate-forest/">Forth Climate Forest</a> catchments. </p>
<p>There are a limited number of assessments available so farmers and landowners are advised to register interest quickly before the deadline.</p>
<p><strong>To express your interest in a free farm woodland assessment please complete and return the application form at <a href="https://forestry.gov.scot/support-regulations/farm-woodlands">Scottish Forestry - Farm woodlands</a>.</strong></p>19th Dec 2023 draft budget - Woodland Creation2023-12-20T17:04:34+00:002023-12-20T17:04:34+00:00https://forestry.gov.scot/news-releases/19th-dec-2023-budget-woodland-creationSteve Williamssteve.williams@forestryandland.gov.scot<p><img src="https://forestry.gov.scot/images/Finest_Woods_Awards.jpg" /></p><p><strong>Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon wrote an article for Forestry Journal magazine to explain the 19th Dec Budget announcement and woodland creation in Scotland. The full text is as follows.</strong></p>
<p>Last week’s Woodland Creation Summit was a hugely positive event, with enthusiasm and expertise in evidence throughout the day. </p>
<p>I welcomed the opportunity to meet so many different people within the sector and to hear directly their thoughts on the opportunities and barriers to woodland creation. </p>
<p>And early in the New Year, I will be meeting with Scottish Forestry to start work on a route map to capitalise on the summit’s findings.</p>
<p>But I also had to make clear to everyone attending the summit, that the Scottish Government was facing one of the most challenging Budget settlements since devolution. Of particular issue for the rural affairs portfolio and for sectors like forestry, is the UK Government’s decision to cut the capital allocation by over 10%.</p>
<p>At the same time, we are all still experiencing high inflation following the mini budget and of course Brexit, which continues to harm Scotland’s rural industries.</p>
<p>All of this has resulted in very tough decisions being made in where precious capital resource goes. I want the sector to know that I have robustly made the case for rural affairs, but I am aware that might mean a hospital or a school not getting built or refurbished. And ultimately, this Scottish Government and Cabinet agrees collectively what the budget will be and supports that collective decision making. The cut in allocation for woodland creation is not where any of us wanted to be, but now we must make the most of it. </p>
<p>We should not forget that forestry is in a good place in Scotland, especially compared to other parts of the UK. Only last week I joined with the sector to announce the highest number of approvals this century – with 13,111 hectares now approved so far, and more expected.</p>
<p>We all now need to focus on turning approvals into plantings before the end of the year and that will be the priority for Scottish Forestry in the next few months, to support that activity.</p>
<p>Readers of Forestry Journal will also be aware that there have been a range of improvements made recently to the Forestry Grant Scheme, including work to boost riparian planting, agroforestry, rainforest conservation and an overall 20% increase to help with inflation, especially for smaller scale schemes.</p>
<p>All these new measures will continue as planned, giving support to woodland owners, especially those wanting to establish smaller schemes, but we will keep things under review. It will be important to ensure that we make the funding we have this and in future years, go as far as possible in helping to meet planting targets. </p>
<p>In total we have £45.3 million of support through the Forestry Grant Scheme in 24/25. For woodland creation alone, we are committing £39.2 million to help expand new forests and woodlands. </p>
<p>This funding support is unlikely to allow us to reach next year’s target, but it will still help create over 9,000 ha of new woodland. </p>
<p>Putting this in context, it will still allow Scotland to create more woodland than the rest of the UK combined. And that benefits everyone in the UK, not just in Scotland.</p>
<p>This funding commitment will also provide some stability for the sector at a time when public spending is enormously tight.</p>
<p>I have asked Scottish Forestry to carefully assess the implications of the draft Budget to maximise every ounce of effort possible into supporting woodland creation.</p>
<p>They will be engaging with key stakeholders over the budget in due course to work out how to maximise the benefits for the economy, people and nature from the funding that is now available.</p>
<p>We have not shied away from taking very difficult decisions which are designed to protect Scotland’s critical public services, which we all depend and rely on. </p>
<p>The draft budget is being allocated towards those most in need to help support them through the cost of living crisis and to keep vital public services going.</p>
<p>Every portfolio has had to make these very hard choices and the budget for woodland creation is no exception. But these choices are a result of being at the mercy of a Westminster government. </p>
<p>We are a £1 billion industry that is tackling climate change and restoring nature. The message I received loud and clear at the summit is that the industry is ready and eager to contribute to Scotland’s Net Zero targets. We all know the hugely positive contribution forestry makes to our environment, but also to our economic and social wellbeing, especially in rural areas. </p>
<p>That contribution can only continue in the future with sufficient funding – I would welcome the sector’s support in continuing to make the case to the UK Government so that Scotland gets the budget we need and deserve to support our ambitions for woodland creation.</p><p><img src="https://forestry.gov.scot/images/Finest_Woods_Awards.jpg" /></p><p><strong>Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon wrote an article for Forestry Journal magazine to explain the 19th Dec Budget announcement and woodland creation in Scotland. The full text is as follows.</strong></p>
<p>Last week’s Woodland Creation Summit was a hugely positive event, with enthusiasm and expertise in evidence throughout the day. </p>
<p>I welcomed the opportunity to meet so many different people within the sector and to hear directly their thoughts on the opportunities and barriers to woodland creation. </p>
<p>And early in the New Year, I will be meeting with Scottish Forestry to start work on a route map to capitalise on the summit’s findings.</p>
<p>But I also had to make clear to everyone attending the summit, that the Scottish Government was facing one of the most challenging Budget settlements since devolution. Of particular issue for the rural affairs portfolio and for sectors like forestry, is the UK Government’s decision to cut the capital allocation by over 10%.</p>
<p>At the same time, we are all still experiencing high inflation following the mini budget and of course Brexit, which continues to harm Scotland’s rural industries.</p>
<p>All of this has resulted in very tough decisions being made in where precious capital resource goes. I want the sector to know that I have robustly made the case for rural affairs, but I am aware that might mean a hospital or a school not getting built or refurbished. And ultimately, this Scottish Government and Cabinet agrees collectively what the budget will be and supports that collective decision making. The cut in allocation for woodland creation is not where any of us wanted to be, but now we must make the most of it. </p>
<p>We should not forget that forestry is in a good place in Scotland, especially compared to other parts of the UK. Only last week I joined with the sector to announce the highest number of approvals this century – with 13,111 hectares now approved so far, and more expected.</p>
<p>We all now need to focus on turning approvals into plantings before the end of the year and that will be the priority for Scottish Forestry in the next few months, to support that activity.</p>
<p>Readers of Forestry Journal will also be aware that there have been a range of improvements made recently to the Forestry Grant Scheme, including work to boost riparian planting, agroforestry, rainforest conservation and an overall 20% increase to help with inflation, especially for smaller scale schemes.</p>
<p>All these new measures will continue as planned, giving support to woodland owners, especially those wanting to establish smaller schemes, but we will keep things under review. It will be important to ensure that we make the funding we have this and in future years, go as far as possible in helping to meet planting targets. </p>
<p>In total we have £45.3 million of support through the Forestry Grant Scheme in 24/25. For woodland creation alone, we are committing £39.2 million to help expand new forests and woodlands. </p>
<p>This funding support is unlikely to allow us to reach next year’s target, but it will still help create over 9,000 ha of new woodland. </p>
<p>Putting this in context, it will still allow Scotland to create more woodland than the rest of the UK combined. And that benefits everyone in the UK, not just in Scotland.</p>
<p>This funding commitment will also provide some stability for the sector at a time when public spending is enormously tight.</p>
<p>I have asked Scottish Forestry to carefully assess the implications of the draft Budget to maximise every ounce of effort possible into supporting woodland creation.</p>
<p>They will be engaging with key stakeholders over the budget in due course to work out how to maximise the benefits for the economy, people and nature from the funding that is now available.</p>
<p>We have not shied away from taking very difficult decisions which are designed to protect Scotland’s critical public services, which we all depend and rely on. </p>
<p>The draft budget is being allocated towards those most in need to help support them through the cost of living crisis and to keep vital public services going.</p>
<p>Every portfolio has had to make these very hard choices and the budget for woodland creation is no exception. But these choices are a result of being at the mercy of a Westminster government. </p>
<p>We are a £1 billion industry that is tackling climate change and restoring nature. The message I received loud and clear at the summit is that the industry is ready and eager to contribute to Scotland’s Net Zero targets. We all know the hugely positive contribution forestry makes to our environment, but also to our economic and social wellbeing, especially in rural areas. </p>
<p>That contribution can only continue in the future with sufficient funding – I would welcome the sector’s support in continuing to make the case to the UK Government so that Scotland gets the budget we need and deserve to support our ambitions for woodland creation.</p>Woodland scheme approvals highest this century2023-12-12T10:00:57+00:002023-12-12T10:00:57+00:00https://forestry.gov.scot/news-releases/woodland-scheme-approvals-highest-this-centurySteve Williamssteve.williams@forestryandland.gov.scot<p><img src="https://forestry.gov.scot/images/Official_Photo_-_Mairi_Gougeon.jpg" /></p><p>Scottish Forestry has approved 13,111 ha worth of new woodland creation schemes so far this year, making it the highest number recorded this century.</p>
<p>The positive news demonstrates an immense effort by the agency’s staff and all those in the sector involved in handling applications. It also demonstrates a high demand for both large and small forestry projects in Scotland.</p>
<p>Out of the total, 6,748 ha are native species which is also the highest ever recorded and should ensure next year’s native woodland targets are met.</p>
<p>The new record figures have been revealed on the day leaders from 80 businesses and organisations in the forestry, land-use, community and environment sectors meet in Perthshire for a Woodland Creation Summit.</p>
<p>Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon is chairing the summit and says it aims to act as a catalyst to boosting woodland creation rates further in Scotland.</p>
<p>“Today’s summit is hugely important to help galvanise support and effort to increase our woodland creation levels. I am here at the summit to both listen, but also to ask what more everyone else can do.</p>
<p>“In order to go further in our woodland expansion efforts, we need to work collectively and ensure that we manage this expansion carefully, taking into account other rural interests. We must continue to involve communities and work hard to get the right trees in the right place.</p>
<p>“I’m very encouraged at the number of application approvals hitting a record this century – that’s a tremendous achievement. However, although the approvals are very encouraging, we need to acknowledge that we still have a way to go in meeting the actual targets. More work by everyone on this is needed.</p>
<p>“Now that all these woodland creation projects have been approved, the hope is that woodland owners will be able to get all these trees in the ground and we can collectively work together to meet our ambitious woodland creation goals.”</p>
<p>During the day long summit, industry leaders are looking closely to identify opportunities and barriers to creating woodlands in Scotland. These findings will, in turn, point towards developing further actions which could help boost tree planting or natural regeneration.</p>
<p>Commenting on the record approvals, Scottish Forestry’s Interim CEO, Paul Lowe, added:</p>
<p>“Our staff have really knocked it out of the park this year. Reaching a century record of 13,111 ha approvals already this year is brilliant work – they have worked so hard.</p>
<p>“We’ve expanded our workforce to meet the rising demand for woodland creation schemes. These new woodland officers need time to build up their working experience, and to help this, we are investing £1 million into a comprehensive skills training package to support them.</p>
<p>“I know there is more work to be done to improve the speed of woodland creation applications, but in time our actions will allow for a smoother and quicker application process for new schemes.”</p>
<p>Stuart Goodall, Chief Executive with Confor added:</p>
<p>“Confor welcomes the opportunity to work more closely with Scottish Government and Scottish Forestry to find solutions to enable the sector to consistently meet planting targets now and in the future, particularly of productive woodlands as they will deliver most to achieving Scotland’s net zero climate change target.</p>
<p>“There is now clear and unambiguous evidence that unless Scotland works together to meet our tree planting targets we can expect the impacts of climate change, demonstrated during Storm Arwen and most recently with flooding in Angus, to get much worse with even more devastating impacts. </p>
<p>“The level of approved schemes indicate positive progress, but we still have a lot to do to achieve the government’s ultimate aim to achieve 18,000 hectares per annum by 2025.”</p>
<p>Since the annual new planting statistics were announced last June, a <a href="https://forestry.gov.scot/news-releases/new-forestry-measures-to-include-1-million-investment-in-skills">series of measures</a> to support woodland creation have been announced.</p>
<p>This has included a 20% inflationary rise in grants for smaller schemes, improvements to encourage riparian and agroforestry planting, £1 million for rainforest conservation and a tripling of grant support for bracken control.</p>
<p>Natural regeneration has also received a major boost with the grant payments to encourage this being doubled across the whole of Scotland. </p>
<p>Alastair Seaman, Woodland Trust Director for Scotland stated:<br /><br />“This is an encouraging sign. More approvals will hopefully translate into more trees in the ground. And it’s urgently needed. If Scotland truly intends to meet its net zero commitments by 2045, we need to at least double our annual woodland creation levels.”<br /><br />In addition, new refreshed guidance to improve community engagement and consultation has been published, along with a user friendly document for farmers and crofters on the benefits of planting trees.</p>
<p>Scotland has very ambitious woodland creation targets which are rising year on year. They are currently at 16,500 ha of new woodland for 23-24, then reaching 18,000 ha of new woodland by 2024/5. </p>
<p>To achieve these targets it will need a collective effort from government, landowners, the forestry and environment sectors, communities, farmers and crofters.</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Notes to news editors</strong></span></p>
<ol>
<li><span style="font-size: 12pt;">6,748 ha are approvals for native trees where biodiversity was the main objective, but with some scope for timber production too. Out of the remaining 6,363 ha of non-native trees, 5400 ha are for areas where timber production was the main objective, with secondary benefits for biodiversity and people. <br /></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12pt;">It is important to note that Scottish Forestry approvals for woodland creation schemes does not automatically mean that the same number of hectares will actually get planted. This part of the woodland creation chain relies on the applicants (landowners, farmers, crofters, forestry organisations) going ahead and getting trees in the ground. It is only when the trees are in the ground, and when the forestry grant is claimed, that it counts towards the annual new woodland targets. These annual targets are published every June.<br /><br /></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Scotland’s native woodland targets are set within the Bute House Agreement which states that a minimum of 4,000 ha of new native woodland is grown each year.</span></li>
</ol>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> 4. Total <strong style="font-style: italic; font-size: 0.9em;">approvals</strong> for woodland creation schemes in the previous five years was as follows:</span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 12pt;">10,036ha – 2019/20</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12pt;">10,879ha - 2019/20</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12pt;">13,068ha – 2020/21</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12pt;">12,377ha - 2021/22</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12pt;">10,479ha - 2022/23. </span></li>
</ul><p><img src="https://forestry.gov.scot/images/Official_Photo_-_Mairi_Gougeon.jpg" /></p><p>Scottish Forestry has approved 13,111 ha worth of new woodland creation schemes so far this year, making it the highest number recorded this century.</p>
<p>The positive news demonstrates an immense effort by the agency’s staff and all those in the sector involved in handling applications. It also demonstrates a high demand for both large and small forestry projects in Scotland.</p>
<p>Out of the total, 6,748 ha are native species which is also the highest ever recorded and should ensure next year’s native woodland targets are met.</p>
<p>The new record figures have been revealed on the day leaders from 80 businesses and organisations in the forestry, land-use, community and environment sectors meet in Perthshire for a Woodland Creation Summit.</p>
<p>Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon is chairing the summit and says it aims to act as a catalyst to boosting woodland creation rates further in Scotland.</p>
<p>“Today’s summit is hugely important to help galvanise support and effort to increase our woodland creation levels. I am here at the summit to both listen, but also to ask what more everyone else can do.</p>
<p>“In order to go further in our woodland expansion efforts, we need to work collectively and ensure that we manage this expansion carefully, taking into account other rural interests. We must continue to involve communities and work hard to get the right trees in the right place.</p>
<p>“I’m very encouraged at the number of application approvals hitting a record this century – that’s a tremendous achievement. However, although the approvals are very encouraging, we need to acknowledge that we still have a way to go in meeting the actual targets. More work by everyone on this is needed.</p>
<p>“Now that all these woodland creation projects have been approved, the hope is that woodland owners will be able to get all these trees in the ground and we can collectively work together to meet our ambitious woodland creation goals.”</p>
<p>During the day long summit, industry leaders are looking closely to identify opportunities and barriers to creating woodlands in Scotland. These findings will, in turn, point towards developing further actions which could help boost tree planting or natural regeneration.</p>
<p>Commenting on the record approvals, Scottish Forestry’s Interim CEO, Paul Lowe, added:</p>
<p>“Our staff have really knocked it out of the park this year. Reaching a century record of 13,111 ha approvals already this year is brilliant work – they have worked so hard.</p>
<p>“We’ve expanded our workforce to meet the rising demand for woodland creation schemes. These new woodland officers need time to build up their working experience, and to help this, we are investing £1 million into a comprehensive skills training package to support them.</p>
<p>“I know there is more work to be done to improve the speed of woodland creation applications, but in time our actions will allow for a smoother and quicker application process for new schemes.”</p>
<p>Stuart Goodall, Chief Executive with Confor added:</p>
<p>“Confor welcomes the opportunity to work more closely with Scottish Government and Scottish Forestry to find solutions to enable the sector to consistently meet planting targets now and in the future, particularly of productive woodlands as they will deliver most to achieving Scotland’s net zero climate change target.</p>
<p>“There is now clear and unambiguous evidence that unless Scotland works together to meet our tree planting targets we can expect the impacts of climate change, demonstrated during Storm Arwen and most recently with flooding in Angus, to get much worse with even more devastating impacts. </p>
<p>“The level of approved schemes indicate positive progress, but we still have a lot to do to achieve the government’s ultimate aim to achieve 18,000 hectares per annum by 2025.”</p>
<p>Since the annual new planting statistics were announced last June, a <a href="https://forestry.gov.scot/news-releases/new-forestry-measures-to-include-1-million-investment-in-skills">series of measures</a> to support woodland creation have been announced.</p>
<p>This has included a 20% inflationary rise in grants for smaller schemes, improvements to encourage riparian and agroforestry planting, £1 million for rainforest conservation and a tripling of grant support for bracken control.</p>
<p>Natural regeneration has also received a major boost with the grant payments to encourage this being doubled across the whole of Scotland. </p>
<p>Alastair Seaman, Woodland Trust Director for Scotland stated:<br /><br />“This is an encouraging sign. More approvals will hopefully translate into more trees in the ground. And it’s urgently needed. If Scotland truly intends to meet its net zero commitments by 2045, we need to at least double our annual woodland creation levels.”<br /><br />In addition, new refreshed guidance to improve community engagement and consultation has been published, along with a user friendly document for farmers and crofters on the benefits of planting trees.</p>
<p>Scotland has very ambitious woodland creation targets which are rising year on year. They are currently at 16,500 ha of new woodland for 23-24, then reaching 18,000 ha of new woodland by 2024/5. </p>
<p>To achieve these targets it will need a collective effort from government, landowners, the forestry and environment sectors, communities, farmers and crofters.</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Notes to news editors</strong></span></p>
<ol>
<li><span style="font-size: 12pt;">6,748 ha are approvals for native trees where biodiversity was the main objective, but with some scope for timber production too. Out of the remaining 6,363 ha of non-native trees, 5400 ha are for areas where timber production was the main objective, with secondary benefits for biodiversity and people. <br /></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12pt;">It is important to note that Scottish Forestry approvals for woodland creation schemes does not automatically mean that the same number of hectares will actually get planted. This part of the woodland creation chain relies on the applicants (landowners, farmers, crofters, forestry organisations) going ahead and getting trees in the ground. It is only when the trees are in the ground, and when the forestry grant is claimed, that it counts towards the annual new woodland targets. These annual targets are published every June.<br /><br /></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Scotland’s native woodland targets are set within the Bute House Agreement which states that a minimum of 4,000 ha of new native woodland is grown each year.</span></li>
</ol>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> 4. Total <strong style="font-style: italic; font-size: 0.9em;">approvals</strong> for woodland creation schemes in the previous five years was as follows:</span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 12pt;">10,036ha – 2019/20</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12pt;">10,879ha - 2019/20</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12pt;">13,068ha – 2020/21</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12pt;">12,377ha - 2021/22</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12pt;">10,479ha - 2022/23. </span></li>
</ul>No breeding population of beetle found in wider environment2023-12-06T11:29:39+00:002023-12-06T11:29:39+00:00https://forestry.gov.scot/news-releases/no-breeding-population-of-beetle-found-in-wider-environmentSteve Williamssteve.williams@forestryandland.gov.scot<p><img src="https://forestry.gov.scot/images/Ips_typographus_jpg_Max_Blake_Forest_Research.jpg" /></p><p>Surveys in the woodlands surrounding the port of Grangemouth have revealed no evidence of a wider breeding population of <em>Ips typographus</em>.</p>
<p>The findings come after a thorough series of aerial and ground surveys carried out by Scottish Forestry’s tree health team and expert entomologists from Forest Research. Spruce tree canopy surveys will continue throughout the winter season.</p>
<p>The <em>Ips typographus</em> beetle is normally found in mainland Europe and has had a damaging effect on spruce trees across the continent. <br /><br />Breeding populations of the beetle have also been found in Kent, Surrey, East Sussex and West Sussex where they are subject to eradication measures.</p>
<p>Scottish Forestry first announced that an <em>Ips typographus</em> beetle had been found in a trap in woodland close to Grangemouth back in September this year. A second finding in a nearby trap is assessed as being part of the same incident. </p>
<p>James Nott, Head of Tree Health at Scottish Forestry said:</p>
<p>“I am pleased that after comprehensive aerial and ground surveys there have been no findings of these beetles in the wider environment in Scotland. Early indications are that this is an isolated incident involving beetles that have hitchhiked possibly on cargo arriving at the port of Grangemouth . </p>
<p>“Our surveillance network and traps using pheromone lures, developed by Forest Research, have proved very successful. Trapping will continue at this location and throughout Scotland as part of our ongoing surveillance against pests and diseases.</p>
<p>”I would like to thank all those involved in carrying out the surveys and analysing the findings for all their hard work.” </p>
<p>An intensive survey of all spruce trees, including windthrow, was carried out in a one kilometre radius of the beetle findings - no detections of Ips typographus were made.</p>
<p>Investigations and modelling using the Met Office dispersion model NAME (Numerical Atmospheric-dispersion Modelling Environment) by the University of Cambridge and Forest Research have shown that it is highly unlikely that the beetles could have been blown from continental Europe or southern England. It would be more likely that the beetles hitchhiked on cargo via the nearby port and were drawn to the traps by the pheromone lures.</p>
<p>Traps are located throughout Scotland as part of the on-going UK tree health surveillance national programme, which includes traps in ports and processors, as well as extensive trapping in woodlands. These traps are active during the warmer months when the beetle is more likely to fly but on-the-ground surveillance takes place year round.</p>
<p>Max Blake, Forest Research Head of Entomology, said: “Forest Research has extensive expertise in surveying and eradicating Ips typographus in Southern England. We’ve supported Scottish Forestry in this surveying work and will continue to do so going forward.”</p>
<p>As a regulated quarantine pest, any breeding populations of <em>Ips typographus</em> found in Scotland will be subject to strict eradication measures to prevent the beetles becoming established and damaging trees.</p>
<p>Several locations in south east England are subject to such measures and Scottish Forestry is working closely with Forestry Commission colleagues to ensure preparedness for any future findings in Scotland.</p>
<p>If anyone wishes to report any suspect findings or tree health problems then please do via <a href="https://www.forestresearch.gov.uk/tools-and-resources/fthr/tree-alert/">TreeAlert.</a></p><p><img src="https://forestry.gov.scot/images/Ips_typographus_jpg_Max_Blake_Forest_Research.jpg" /></p><p>Surveys in the woodlands surrounding the port of Grangemouth have revealed no evidence of a wider breeding population of <em>Ips typographus</em>.</p>
<p>The findings come after a thorough series of aerial and ground surveys carried out by Scottish Forestry’s tree health team and expert entomologists from Forest Research. Spruce tree canopy surveys will continue throughout the winter season.</p>
<p>The <em>Ips typographus</em> beetle is normally found in mainland Europe and has had a damaging effect on spruce trees across the continent. <br /><br />Breeding populations of the beetle have also been found in Kent, Surrey, East Sussex and West Sussex where they are subject to eradication measures.</p>
<p>Scottish Forestry first announced that an <em>Ips typographus</em> beetle had been found in a trap in woodland close to Grangemouth back in September this year. A second finding in a nearby trap is assessed as being part of the same incident. </p>
<p>James Nott, Head of Tree Health at Scottish Forestry said:</p>
<p>“I am pleased that after comprehensive aerial and ground surveys there have been no findings of these beetles in the wider environment in Scotland. Early indications are that this is an isolated incident involving beetles that have hitchhiked possibly on cargo arriving at the port of Grangemouth . </p>
<p>“Our surveillance network and traps using pheromone lures, developed by Forest Research, have proved very successful. Trapping will continue at this location and throughout Scotland as part of our ongoing surveillance against pests and diseases.</p>
<p>”I would like to thank all those involved in carrying out the surveys and analysing the findings for all their hard work.” </p>
<p>An intensive survey of all spruce trees, including windthrow, was carried out in a one kilometre radius of the beetle findings - no detections of Ips typographus were made.</p>
<p>Investigations and modelling using the Met Office dispersion model NAME (Numerical Atmospheric-dispersion Modelling Environment) by the University of Cambridge and Forest Research have shown that it is highly unlikely that the beetles could have been blown from continental Europe or southern England. It would be more likely that the beetles hitchhiked on cargo via the nearby port and were drawn to the traps by the pheromone lures.</p>
<p>Traps are located throughout Scotland as part of the on-going UK tree health surveillance national programme, which includes traps in ports and processors, as well as extensive trapping in woodlands. These traps are active during the warmer months when the beetle is more likely to fly but on-the-ground surveillance takes place year round.</p>
<p>Max Blake, Forest Research Head of Entomology, said: “Forest Research has extensive expertise in surveying and eradicating Ips typographus in Southern England. We’ve supported Scottish Forestry in this surveying work and will continue to do so going forward.”</p>
<p>As a regulated quarantine pest, any breeding populations of <em>Ips typographus</em> found in Scotland will be subject to strict eradication measures to prevent the beetles becoming established and damaging trees.</p>
<p>Several locations in south east England are subject to such measures and Scottish Forestry is working closely with Forestry Commission colleagues to ensure preparedness for any future findings in Scotland.</p>
<p>If anyone wishes to report any suspect findings or tree health problems then please do via <a href="https://www.forestresearch.gov.uk/tools-and-resources/fthr/tree-alert/">TreeAlert.</a></p>New trees on farms publication for farmers and crofters2023-12-06T09:35:40+00:002023-12-06T09:35:40+00:00https://forestry.gov.scot/news-releases/new-trees-on-farms-publication-for-farmers-and-croftersSteve Williamssteve.williams@forestryandland.gov.scot<p><img src="https://forestry.gov.scot/images/A_Peebles_Saughland_Sheep.jpg" /></p><p>A new concise and informative publication for farmers and crofters which summarises the economic and environmental benefits trees can provide has been published today by the Integrating Trees Network.</p>
<p> ‘<a href="https://www.farmingforabetterclimate.org/resource/integrating-trees-network-why-trees-the-benefits-to-your-business-your-community-and-the-environment/">Why Trees?</a>’ aims to gives simple advice to those considering whether integrating trees into their farm or croft business is right for them.</p>
<p>The Scottish Government is keen to encourage more farmers and crofters to gain the benefits of growing trees. Around half of all new woodland creation applications submitted to Scottish Forestry are for small scale projects, mainly from farmers and crofters.</p>
<p>Welcoming the new factsheet, Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said:</p>
<p>“Last June I announced a <a href="https://forestry.gov.scot/news-releases/new-forestry-measures-to-include-1-million-investment-in-skills">package of measures</a> which would encourage new planting across Scotland. Part of this included a commitment to provide more advice and information to farmers and crofters to stimulate further interest in growing trees.</p>
<p>“This new publication aims to pull together all the key benefits, including the economic and environmental advantages, that trees can provide for farmers and crofters into one easy reading document.</p>
<p>“It’s a great place to start if you are thinking about growing trees for the first time and need a few pointers to help decide if integrating trees into your farm or croft is going to benefit the business.”</p>
<p>Benefits of trees on farms are wide ranging and can include shelter and shade for livestock, windbreaks for crops, pollination, new income streams, mitigating climate change, improving water quality and biodiversity.</p>
<p>Help and advice on planting trees is available through a number of sources including the <a href="https://www.farmingforabetterclimate.org/projects-and-networks/integrating-trees-network/knockbain-farm/">Integrating Trees Network</a>, which is supported by Scottish Forestry and the Scottish Government.</p>
<p>The network has been a growing success over the past years with nine active volunteer farming and crofting hosts around Scotland, all using their farms or crofts to demonstrate the multiple benefits of having trees on your land.</p>
<p>A number of on-site events and webinars have been organised through the Integrating Trees Network over the years, with more underway this year.</p>
<p>The announcement comes in advance of the Woodland Creation Summit which is being chaired by Ms Gougeon. The summit is bringing together leaders from across the forestry, land-use, environmental and community sectors to work on further actions to boost woodland creation rates in Scotland.</p><p><img src="https://forestry.gov.scot/images/A_Peebles_Saughland_Sheep.jpg" /></p><p>A new concise and informative publication for farmers and crofters which summarises the economic and environmental benefits trees can provide has been published today by the Integrating Trees Network.</p>
<p> ‘<a href="https://www.farmingforabetterclimate.org/resource/integrating-trees-network-why-trees-the-benefits-to-your-business-your-community-and-the-environment/">Why Trees?</a>’ aims to gives simple advice to those considering whether integrating trees into their farm or croft business is right for them.</p>
<p>The Scottish Government is keen to encourage more farmers and crofters to gain the benefits of growing trees. Around half of all new woodland creation applications submitted to Scottish Forestry are for small scale projects, mainly from farmers and crofters.</p>
<p>Welcoming the new factsheet, Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said:</p>
<p>“Last June I announced a <a href="https://forestry.gov.scot/news-releases/new-forestry-measures-to-include-1-million-investment-in-skills">package of measures</a> which would encourage new planting across Scotland. Part of this included a commitment to provide more advice and information to farmers and crofters to stimulate further interest in growing trees.</p>
<p>“This new publication aims to pull together all the key benefits, including the economic and environmental advantages, that trees can provide for farmers and crofters into one easy reading document.</p>
<p>“It’s a great place to start if you are thinking about growing trees for the first time and need a few pointers to help decide if integrating trees into your farm or croft is going to benefit the business.”</p>
<p>Benefits of trees on farms are wide ranging and can include shelter and shade for livestock, windbreaks for crops, pollination, new income streams, mitigating climate change, improving water quality and biodiversity.</p>
<p>Help and advice on planting trees is available through a number of sources including the <a href="https://www.farmingforabetterclimate.org/projects-and-networks/integrating-trees-network/knockbain-farm/">Integrating Trees Network</a>, which is supported by Scottish Forestry and the Scottish Government.</p>
<p>The network has been a growing success over the past years with nine active volunteer farming and crofting hosts around Scotland, all using their farms or crofts to demonstrate the multiple benefits of having trees on your land.</p>
<p>A number of on-site events and webinars have been organised through the Integrating Trees Network over the years, with more underway this year.</p>
<p>The announcement comes in advance of the Woodland Creation Summit which is being chaired by Ms Gougeon. The summit is bringing together leaders from across the forestry, land-use, environmental and community sectors to work on further actions to boost woodland creation rates in Scotland.</p>Forestry grant rates increase to help tackle inflation2023-12-05T10:00:01+00:002023-12-05T10:00:01+00:00https://forestry.gov.scot/news-releases/forestry-grant-rates-increase-to-help-tackle-inflationSteve Williamssteve.williams@forestryandland.gov.scot<p><img src="https://forestry.gov.scot/images/Oct092023-Scottish-Forestry-SFO_0382-CMcGC.jpg" /></p><p>Scottish Forestry is increasing the level of forestry grant support to help counter recent inflationary pressures, particularly for smaller woodland creation projects.</p>
<p>The increase in forestry grants will rise by around 20% for planting most smaller scale woodlands. </p>
<p>The announcement comes in advance of the Woodland Creation Summit which is being chaired by Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon.</p>
<p>The summit is bringing together leaders from across the forestry, land-use, environmental and community sectors to work on further actions to boost woodland creation rates in Scotland.<br /><br />Ms Gougeon said:</p>
<p>“As I set out in June when the national planting targets were published, I’m keen to provide more support to help address inflation costs as that is having a direct impact for many on their ability to start growing trees. </p>
<p>“With a large percentage of new woodlands being created by farmers and crofters it is important that we support them as best we can. This increase in grant support should help alleviate some of the rising costs for materials which has been a barrier for some.</p>
<p>“I’m looking forward to chairing the upcoming summit as it will provide an important platform in finding other practical ways to make a step change in increasing our future woodland creation levels.”</p>
<p>The increase in grant rates will include a number of new measures across the Forestry Grant Scheme. Some key new changes include:</p>
<ul>
<li>An extra £750 per ha for the first 40 ha of woodland creation in most parts of Scotland:</li>
<li>Extending the high cost deer fencing option throughout Scotland – increasing this by £2.30 per metre to £9.90 per metre;</li>
<li>Reducing the minimum specification for the small or farm woods option to make it more accessible to farmers and crofters wanting to plant woodlands of up to 10ha;</li>
<li>Sheep and Trees schemes, which combines funding for woodland creation with forestry & farm road accesses, will now be allowed in the Central Scotland Green Network area: and</li>
<li>Tripling the grant for manual or mechanical bracken control from £225 to £720 per ha.</li>
</ul>
<p>Amongst the new measures to the Forestry Grant Scheme, is a doubling of the payment for expanding native woodland through natural regeneration. This new increased grant rate covers the whole of Scotland and now stands at £600 per hectare. This action will stimulate further woodland growth and help in the yearly native woodland targets set out in the Bute House Agreement.</p>
<p>The grants boost has been made as part of the <a href="https://forestry.gov.scot/news-releases/new-forestry-measures-to-include-1-million-investment-in-skills">delivery action plan</a> announced in June which is aimed at ramping up tree planting levels. </p>
<p>Brendan Callaghan, Director of Operational Delivery at Scottish Forestry added:</p>
<p>“The Forestry Grant Scheme (FGS) is a key driver in boosting tree planting and natural regeneration projects across the country.</p>
<p>“We have listened carefully to the responses in the recent forestry grant consultation and during our regular meetings with stakeholders. As a direct result, we have embarked on the most significant changes to the FGS since it was established in 2015 and plan to keep developing the scheme to support the growth of woodlands in Scotland.” </p>
<p>Scotland has ambitious woodland creation targets which are increasing each year, rising to 18,000 ha by 2024/5. This year so far, over 11,200 ha of forestry schemes have been approved for planting in 2023, exceeding last year’s total.</p>
<p>The Woodland Creation Summit is being held at Battleby in Perthshire on 12 December. <br /><br />For technical details of the various grant changes, log on to the <a href="https://forestry.gov.scot/publications/support-and-regulations/forestry-grant-scheme/1538-briefing-note-45-forestry-grant-scheme-ongoing-enhancements-december-2023">Scottish Forestry </a>website. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong style="font-size: 0.9em;">Notes to News Editors</strong></span></p>
<p>1. <strong>The extra £750 per ha for the first 40 ha of woodland creation in most parts of Scotland</strong> – this increase applies to all woodland creation options except native Scots pine, Native Low Density and native broadleaves in the Northern and Western Isles. The payment is capped at the first 40ha of planting and so the greatest benefit will be to woodlands less than 40 ha. However any size of application can apply for this the extra payment which will avoid inadvertently discouraging applications just over 40ha.<br /><br />Previously the target area for the Northern and Western Isles was increased to the highest grant rate that Scottish Forestry offers and the Central Scotland Green Network area already receives this supplement and won’t be directly affected by the changes at this time.</p>
<p>2. <strong>Reducing the minimum specification for small or farm woods option to make it more accessible to farmers and crofters wanting to plant woodlands of up to 10ha</strong>. There will no longer be a requirement to plant a minimum of 20% of the area as productive broadleaves under this option. The planting can now comprise of diverse conifer, native broadleaves and open ground which is simpler and will cost farmers and crofters less to establish whilst still maintaining productivity.</p>
<p>3.<strong> Sheep and Trees</strong> – Farmers within the Central Scotland Green Network area (Core, Outer Core and Fringe area) who are planting between 10 and 50 hectares of productive woodland will now be eligible for support towards forest road access to help with future forestry and farm management. This support will now be available for farmers planting productive woodlands throughout Scotland.</p>
<p>4. Scottish Forestry recognises that not all woodland creation projects will benefit from these new changes and work is ongoing to continue to develop further FGS enhancements</p>
<p> </p><p><img src="https://forestry.gov.scot/images/Oct092023-Scottish-Forestry-SFO_0382-CMcGC.jpg" /></p><p>Scottish Forestry is increasing the level of forestry grant support to help counter recent inflationary pressures, particularly for smaller woodland creation projects.</p>
<p>The increase in forestry grants will rise by around 20% for planting most smaller scale woodlands. </p>
<p>The announcement comes in advance of the Woodland Creation Summit which is being chaired by Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon.</p>
<p>The summit is bringing together leaders from across the forestry, land-use, environmental and community sectors to work on further actions to boost woodland creation rates in Scotland.<br /><br />Ms Gougeon said:</p>
<p>“As I set out in June when the national planting targets were published, I’m keen to provide more support to help address inflation costs as that is having a direct impact for many on their ability to start growing trees. </p>
<p>“With a large percentage of new woodlands being created by farmers and crofters it is important that we support them as best we can. This increase in grant support should help alleviate some of the rising costs for materials which has been a barrier for some.</p>
<p>“I’m looking forward to chairing the upcoming summit as it will provide an important platform in finding other practical ways to make a step change in increasing our future woodland creation levels.”</p>
<p>The increase in grant rates will include a number of new measures across the Forestry Grant Scheme. Some key new changes include:</p>
<ul>
<li>An extra £750 per ha for the first 40 ha of woodland creation in most parts of Scotland:</li>
<li>Extending the high cost deer fencing option throughout Scotland – increasing this by £2.30 per metre to £9.90 per metre;</li>
<li>Reducing the minimum specification for the small or farm woods option to make it more accessible to farmers and crofters wanting to plant woodlands of up to 10ha;</li>
<li>Sheep and Trees schemes, which combines funding for woodland creation with forestry & farm road accesses, will now be allowed in the Central Scotland Green Network area: and</li>
<li>Tripling the grant for manual or mechanical bracken control from £225 to £720 per ha.</li>
</ul>
<p>Amongst the new measures to the Forestry Grant Scheme, is a doubling of the payment for expanding native woodland through natural regeneration. This new increased grant rate covers the whole of Scotland and now stands at £600 per hectare. This action will stimulate further woodland growth and help in the yearly native woodland targets set out in the Bute House Agreement.</p>
<p>The grants boost has been made as part of the <a href="https://forestry.gov.scot/news-releases/new-forestry-measures-to-include-1-million-investment-in-skills">delivery action plan</a> announced in June which is aimed at ramping up tree planting levels. </p>
<p>Brendan Callaghan, Director of Operational Delivery at Scottish Forestry added:</p>
<p>“The Forestry Grant Scheme (FGS) is a key driver in boosting tree planting and natural regeneration projects across the country.</p>
<p>“We have listened carefully to the responses in the recent forestry grant consultation and during our regular meetings with stakeholders. As a direct result, we have embarked on the most significant changes to the FGS since it was established in 2015 and plan to keep developing the scheme to support the growth of woodlands in Scotland.” </p>
<p>Scotland has ambitious woodland creation targets which are increasing each year, rising to 18,000 ha by 2024/5. This year so far, over 11,200 ha of forestry schemes have been approved for planting in 2023, exceeding last year’s total.</p>
<p>The Woodland Creation Summit is being held at Battleby in Perthshire on 12 December. <br /><br />For technical details of the various grant changes, log on to the <a href="https://forestry.gov.scot/publications/support-and-regulations/forestry-grant-scheme/1538-briefing-note-45-forestry-grant-scheme-ongoing-enhancements-december-2023">Scottish Forestry </a>website. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong style="font-size: 0.9em;">Notes to News Editors</strong></span></p>
<p>1. <strong>The extra £750 per ha for the first 40 ha of woodland creation in most parts of Scotland</strong> – this increase applies to all woodland creation options except native Scots pine, Native Low Density and native broadleaves in the Northern and Western Isles. The payment is capped at the first 40ha of planting and so the greatest benefit will be to woodlands less than 40 ha. However any size of application can apply for this the extra payment which will avoid inadvertently discouraging applications just over 40ha.<br /><br />Previously the target area for the Northern and Western Isles was increased to the highest grant rate that Scottish Forestry offers and the Central Scotland Green Network area already receives this supplement and won’t be directly affected by the changes at this time.</p>
<p>2. <strong>Reducing the minimum specification for small or farm woods option to make it more accessible to farmers and crofters wanting to plant woodlands of up to 10ha</strong>. There will no longer be a requirement to plant a minimum of 20% of the area as productive broadleaves under this option. The planting can now comprise of diverse conifer, native broadleaves and open ground which is simpler and will cost farmers and crofters less to establish whilst still maintaining productivity.</p>
<p>3.<strong> Sheep and Trees</strong> – Farmers within the Central Scotland Green Network area (Core, Outer Core and Fringe area) who are planting between 10 and 50 hectares of productive woodland will now be eligible for support towards forest road access to help with future forestry and farm management. This support will now be available for farmers planting productive woodlands throughout Scotland.</p>
<p>4. Scottish Forestry recognises that not all woodland creation projects will benefit from these new changes and work is ongoing to continue to develop further FGS enhancements</p>
<p> </p>Highland electric timber truck hits the road in drive to Net Zero2023-12-04T08:28:01+00:002023-12-04T08:28:01+00:00https://forestry.gov.scot/news-releases/highland-electric-timber-truck-hits-the-road-in-drive-to-net-zeroSteve Williamssteve.williams@forestryandland.gov.scot<p><img src="https://forestry.gov.scot/images/IMG_4304.jpg" /></p><p>A new electric timber truck, believed to be the first of its kind in the UK, is now in operation in the Highlands as part of a forestry trial to help decarbonise the sector.</p>
<p>Scotlog Sales Ltd of Inverness has taken delivery of the new 44 tonne wagon, which will transport timber shipped in from the west coast to be hauled from the Port of Inverness to the West Fraser site at Dalcross.</p>
<p>The new “wagon and drag” truck – a rigid vehicle and trailer – is part of a three year trial testing two state-of-the-art electric vehicles to move timber, cutting down on emissions. <br /><br />The Volvo truck is the first of their line to be produced in Europe and is fitted with a specialist Metsatek timber body and Ecco bolsters.</p>
<p>The truck has been in operation for six weeks, firstly working at the Port of Inverness before taking to the roads and becoming a familiar sight on the A96.</p>
<p>Scottish Forestry is investing £452,000 towards the trial which is partnering with Scotlog Sales Ltd, James Jones & Sons, the Volvo Group and Cleaner EV.</p>
<p>A second electric lorry (artic unit) has been in operation in the south of Scotland with forestry business James Jones & Sons.</p>
<p>Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said:</p>
<p>“Around 7 million tonnes of wood are harvested from Scotland’s forests each year and transported to sawmills, board manufacturers and other processors, mostly on 44 tonne diesel lorries.</p>
<p>“The forestry sector is keen to use modern technology to tackle timber transport issues as part of its overall efforts to decarbonise and reach Net Zero.</p>
<p>“I’m pleased that this second truck is now working in the Highlands and look forward to hearing more about this innovative trial and how it can help cut transport emissions.”</p>
<p>A key element of the three year trial is that all the partners involved are committed to sharing their experiences of running the electric lorries with others in the timber and rural haulage sectors. This information will be updated on a web portal <a href="https://creel.co.uk/weekly-updates/">Vehicle Updates - Creel Maritime Ltd</a> that is currently under development.</p>
<p>Creel Maritime Ltd consultants are monitoring the use of the lorries and arranging knowledge exchange opportunities over the course of the following three years.</p>
<p>Neil Stoddart, Director of Creel Maritime Ltd, is managing the project with his team and added:</p>
<p>“In terms of road haulage, the timber industry is pretty advanced in looking for solutions to decarbonise. For example, we are reducing diesel lorry miles on many projects and opting for transport by sea.</p>
<p>“This is a very exciting project but there are big challenges in running HGV lorries on electric power, mainly on cost grounds and infrastructure. This three year trial will look into all these aspects and I’m keen to share as much detail on this with the industry. So far both trucks are matching expectations both in terms of commercial performance and driver operation.”</p>
<p>Timber transport is an integral part of the forestry sector chain and reducing its emissions through technology and different modes of transport is a positive move. The timber supply chain relies on many parts of the forestry sector and creating new woodlands is part and parcel of this effort, ensuring timber is available well into the future.</p>
<p>Leaders from the forestry, rural, environmental and community sectors are to meet in Perthshire next week at the Woodland Creation Summit, which will be chaired by Ms Gougeon. It will look at new opportunities at expanding Scotland’s woodland creation rates, whether it is by new planting or natural regeneration. </p><p><img src="https://forestry.gov.scot/images/IMG_4304.jpg" /></p><p>A new electric timber truck, believed to be the first of its kind in the UK, is now in operation in the Highlands as part of a forestry trial to help decarbonise the sector.</p>
<p>Scotlog Sales Ltd of Inverness has taken delivery of the new 44 tonne wagon, which will transport timber shipped in from the west coast to be hauled from the Port of Inverness to the West Fraser site at Dalcross.</p>
<p>The new “wagon and drag” truck – a rigid vehicle and trailer – is part of a three year trial testing two state-of-the-art electric vehicles to move timber, cutting down on emissions. <br /><br />The Volvo truck is the first of their line to be produced in Europe and is fitted with a specialist Metsatek timber body and Ecco bolsters.</p>
<p>The truck has been in operation for six weeks, firstly working at the Port of Inverness before taking to the roads and becoming a familiar sight on the A96.</p>
<p>Scottish Forestry is investing £452,000 towards the trial which is partnering with Scotlog Sales Ltd, James Jones & Sons, the Volvo Group and Cleaner EV.</p>
<p>A second electric lorry (artic unit) has been in operation in the south of Scotland with forestry business James Jones & Sons.</p>
<p>Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said:</p>
<p>“Around 7 million tonnes of wood are harvested from Scotland’s forests each year and transported to sawmills, board manufacturers and other processors, mostly on 44 tonne diesel lorries.</p>
<p>“The forestry sector is keen to use modern technology to tackle timber transport issues as part of its overall efforts to decarbonise and reach Net Zero.</p>
<p>“I’m pleased that this second truck is now working in the Highlands and look forward to hearing more about this innovative trial and how it can help cut transport emissions.”</p>
<p>A key element of the three year trial is that all the partners involved are committed to sharing their experiences of running the electric lorries with others in the timber and rural haulage sectors. This information will be updated on a web portal <a href="https://creel.co.uk/weekly-updates/">Vehicle Updates - Creel Maritime Ltd</a> that is currently under development.</p>
<p>Creel Maritime Ltd consultants are monitoring the use of the lorries and arranging knowledge exchange opportunities over the course of the following three years.</p>
<p>Neil Stoddart, Director of Creel Maritime Ltd, is managing the project with his team and added:</p>
<p>“In terms of road haulage, the timber industry is pretty advanced in looking for solutions to decarbonise. For example, we are reducing diesel lorry miles on many projects and opting for transport by sea.</p>
<p>“This is a very exciting project but there are big challenges in running HGV lorries on electric power, mainly on cost grounds and infrastructure. This three year trial will look into all these aspects and I’m keen to share as much detail on this with the industry. So far both trucks are matching expectations both in terms of commercial performance and driver operation.”</p>
<p>Timber transport is an integral part of the forestry sector chain and reducing its emissions through technology and different modes of transport is a positive move. The timber supply chain relies on many parts of the forestry sector and creating new woodlands is part and parcel of this effort, ensuring timber is available well into the future.</p>
<p>Leaders from the forestry, rural, environmental and community sectors are to meet in Perthshire next week at the Woodland Creation Summit, which will be chaired by Ms Gougeon. It will look at new opportunities at expanding Scotland’s woodland creation rates, whether it is by new planting or natural regeneration. </p>