This guide brings together existing information on site suitability, establishment, silviculture,harvesting, marketing and processing for quality crops of alternative conifer species.

Some ofthe species require a different silvicultural approach from Sitka spruce, often more similar tothat traditionally applied to quality hardwood stands. The emphasis here is placed on effectivesilviculture to produce quality final crops for identified markets, rather than on volume yield.The guide also presents detailed information about a selection of the potential alternativeconifer species that are likely to be suitable for use within Scotland, dealing with their historicrecord, potential for adoption, standing resource, site suitability, provenance selection,establishment, silviculture, harvesting, marketing and processing for key end-uses.