Woodland Creation for Biodiversity – What to consider?

Our hosts for the night Andrew Barbour (Mains of Fincastle, Pitlochry) and Richard Lockett (Knockbain, Dingwall) also discussed their practical experiences of creating, woodland for biodiversity.

Finally, Iona Hyde (Croft Woodlands) also attended and answered questions alongside our speakers.

Colin Edwards, Environment Policy Advisor, Scottish Forestry 

Colin Edwards, Environment Policy Advisor, Scottish Forestry discussed how to create woodland to meet your biodiversity objectives, looking at:

• basic principles of site selection
• key species to plant
• integration of open habitat
• creation of future habitat to maximise your biodiversity benefits

Colin also highlighted and discussed the following points:

• There is a focus on new woodland, but biodiversity can cross over to other existing sites.
• What is biodiversity? It’s the variety of plant and animal life, including genetic variation within species.
• There is a balance between addressing Climate Change and biodiversity.
• There are arguments on whether you go native or non-native.
• Adding trees can increase the range of biodiversity on the sites, but you need to consider where to locate trees and impact on existing habitat.
• The edges of woodland are normally where a range of biodiversity can be found. Some species prefer the core of woodland so larger areas of core woodland can better support a variety of species.
• Native species can result in faster colonisation, but even some native species can survive in non-native areas.
• Consider developing woodland ‘networks corridors’. This allows integration and helps with movement of species.
• When considering woodland, have a look around your area to see what species are already around.
• The Ecological Site Classification web-system provides further information on what are the best species and the Forest Research publications also provide additional guidance and support. (Links at end of document).
• Biodiversity is not just about species, it also covers the genetic stability of species.
• Natural woodland regeneration would be encouraged as the best way to enhance woodland.
• There are 10 main micro habitat types. You should try to incorporate these into any woodland plans. You need to remember biodiversity and species “isn’t just about the ‘fluffy bunny rabbits’ but also the non-attractive species ‘bugs’, which are also important.”
• Re-population and improving biodiversity can take years to achieve.
• One key challenge to improving biodiversity is with browsing species (such as deer) which can cause negative impacts.

Richard Lockett, Knockbain, Dingwall

Richard discussed his on practical experiences and highlighted key points:

• Not everywhere is suitable for planting trees. You could have a negative impact on biodiversity if you plant on species rich grasslands, or These can be more important than woodlands for biodiversity.
• Planting trees close to wetlands that are important for wading birds (eg lapwing) can also be highly damaging.
• It is important to understand your site (soil types, surrounding trees/wildlife etc).
• Don’t forget that natural regeneration plays a vital role as well.
• The best areas in a woodland for biodiversity is not the actual trees but the open ground and scrub in-between the trees.
• Woodlands next to burns and watercourse can be particularly valuable, protecting watercourses from agricultural inputs and providing good bankside habitat.
• Attendees were also shown a series of pictures of the work being undertaken on the farm in relation to its woodland, particularly improving habitat connectivity

Andrew Barbour, Mains of Fincastle, Pitlochry

Andrew discussed future plans for woodland creation:

• Andrew has recently taken over neighbouring land, which has not been heavily grazed and is dominated by bracken. It is in a national scenic area.
• They have plans to plant trees on parts of this new farm, but not all the current land is suitable.
• They are looking at improving the biodiversity on the land and to use the woodland for carbon sequestration and as a future timber resource.
• They are planning on planting different types of trees (to ensure a selective canopy range). Possibly native pine option.
• Attendees were told to always consider the impact woodland would have on your farm plans and to consider and take account of the biodiversity impact trees will have.
• They hope that by controlling the bracken with the trees, it will improve the biodiversity landscape.
• They see the woodland forming part of any livestock rotational grazing.
• You need to be aware of the neighbouring landscape when planting trees.

Why Shelterbelts?

A useful presentation on the benefits of Shelterbelts by SAC Consulting.