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SAC offering free woodland advice to farmers and landowners
SAC is offering free woodland management advice in Central Scotland and the Borders which is bringing financial benefits to farmers, improving the environment and helping to stimulate the local timber industries.
In the Borders, woodland audits are being offered in partnership with UPM Tilhill to asses the quality and quantity of local farmers’ 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.
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."
In Central Scotland, SAC is advising on how farmers and landowners can increase the number of trees on their land.
With farms covering a large area of Central Scotland, there are numerous potential benefits to encouraging farmers to develop more properly managed woodland. The farmers can achieve financial gains from selling good quality timber while trees can provide an effective means of sheltering crops and livestock from the elements. Increased woodland can contribute to the health and wellbeing of the wider population by providing attractive places for people to visit or exercise, improve biodiversity and air quality and help Scotland reach its carbon reduction targets.
Recognising these benefits, the Central Scotland Green Network, backed by Forestry Commission Scotland, has provided funding for SAC to help farmers consider tree planting schemes on appropriate areas of their land. Advice on offer covers the best types of trees to plant, where to plant them, how to maintain them and the grants available to help towards the costs.
Jennifer said: “The cost of hiring a consultant can be prohibitive for some farmers so we hope that by offering free visits and advice they will be able to develop and increase the woodland on their farms and that they and others living in the area will benefit as a result.”
Any landowners or farmers in Central Scotland or the Borders who would like some independent advice should call Jennifer Greaves on 0131 535 3011 or e-mail jennifer.greaves@sac.co.uk.