An important new measure which comes into force on the 1st October will help boost the resilience of Scotland’s forests and woodlands.
From that date onwards, the maximum of any one tree species will be limited to 65 per cent in all new and existing woodlands across the country, with the rest made from a mixture of trees.
With this new move coming into play, Scotland will see a greater range of tree species being grown. This will make forests and woodlands more resilient to the effects of climate change and the growing number of pests and diseases.
The new measure is part of the revised UK Forestry Standard (UKFS) which provides best practice guidelines for all landowners, foresters and woodland owners to follow.
Speaking during Scottish Climate Week, Dr Helen McKay, Chief Forester for Scotland said, “Although global and regional climate models predictions are improving, there are still big uncertainties about the weather that any given area of woodland will experience.
“The changing climate means that past performance is no longer a guarantee of future survival, growth or economic return. Therefore, relying so heavily on a limited set of species is not sensible. Broadening the range of species should reduce the risk overall.”
Improving the resilience of our forests can take many different forms, including increasing the extent, connectivity and diversity and health of Scotland’s trees.
Increasing the diversity of tree species is very important as it can provide different wildlife habitats and boost biodiversity.
By planting or regenerating a mix of trees foresters can reduce the chance of a single disease or pest wiping out large areas of woodland.
Alan Hampson, Director of Policy at Scottish Forestry, added, “The key to making our forests more resilient is to actively manage them. I would encourage woodland owners who do not already have a long-term management plan for their woodlands to create one, using the plan as the basis for bringing their woods into alignment with the requirements of this new version of the UK Forestry Standard.
“Creating resilient forests will help ensure they survive into the future and continue to provide all the environmental, economic and social benefits that they bring.”
Scottish Forestry is currently working with the forest sectors on a new action plan which will improve the resilience of Scotland’s forests and set out recommendations to boost the range of tree species that grown in Scotland.