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SAC Borders Woodland Audits Helping Boost Local Economy

SAC News Release Ref. No: 10N78
Published: 04 Oct 2010

SAC and forestry company UPM Tilhill are offering a free service in the Borders that is bringing financial benefits to farmers while helping to stimulate the local timber industry.

Woodland audits are being offered to farmers to asses the quality and quantity of their woodland; determine suitable markets for the timber; give an estimation of its potential value and offer advice on selling it. The information about the type and quantities of available timber is being passed on to the Borders Machinery Ring, which is running a project to match local supply of lower value timber with the increasing demand for woodfuel.

The audits are co-ordinated by SAC farm woodland consultant Jennifer Greaves and conducted by Malcolm Robinson, timber harvesting manager for UPM Tilhil. Scottish Borders Council is sponsoring both the audits and the Machinery Ring project as part of the European LEADER rural development programme which funds activities that support the rural economy and communities.

One of the first farmers to benefit is Ross Macloud, who owns a sheep and cattle farm just north of Peebles featuring more than 10ha of woodland, including a mixed pine, larch and spruce plantation. In addition to receiving information about the quality and value of the wood, Ross was given plenty of practical advice about selling it, including how the provide access for timber wagons and create timber stacking areas on his land. Jennifer has also provided Ross with a list of forestry consultants and companies in the Borders that he can go to for further advice.

Ross said: “I was very pleased with the visit as it gave me a new perspective on the value of the wood on my farm. As a result, I plan to manage my woodland as a financial asset from now on.’

Jennifer said: “In addition to helping farmers achieve financial benefits from managing their woodland and marketing their timber more effectively, these woodland audits are helping to stimulate the local economy so it is a win-win situation for everyone involved.”

Matt McKerrow of the Borders Machinery Ring said: “By developing a database of local supply and demand it is possible to promote confidence in a security of supply and a competitive price. Those diversifying their business model to incorporate wood fuel supply can lower their fixed costs by utilising available equipment and labour from the machinery ring whether for timber extraction, chipping or firewood processing.”

Any farmer with under-managed woodlands on their land who would like a free visit, advice and a valuation should call Jennifer Greaves on 0131 535 3011 or e-mail Jennifer.greaves@sac.co.uk.

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News Release Contacts

SAC Contact

Ms Jennifer Greaves
Woodlands Consultant
SAC (Scottish Agricultural College) Work SAC Environmental, Pentland Building, Bush Estate,
Penicuik
EH26 0PH
TelWork 0131 535 3011
MobileWork 07827 239335
Fax 0131 535 3031

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News Release Issued By

Ms Jane Smernicki
Head of Communications
SAC (Scottish Agricultural College) Work SAC, West Mains Road,
Edinburgh
EH9 3JG
TelWork 0131 535 4331

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