HIGHLAND BIRCHWOODS. Coille Beithe na Gàidhealtachd.
Promoting best practice in the sustainable management of forests and woodlands
Forest Habitat NetworksIn common with many countries, woodlands once covered a large proportion of the UK. Human influence has been profound, and what semi-natural woodland remains has been reduced to small and isolated fragments, with a corresponding impact on biodiversity.Forest Habitat Networks are a strategic concept to help address the negative effects of fragmentation, and use of GIS-based evaluation tools (such as the suite of BEETLE software developed by Forest Research and partners) will help in targeting the most effective – and least conflicting – places for woodland creation. The Highland Locational PremiumThere are many existing Forest Habitat Networks in Scotland and the locational premium is intended to encourage new woodland planting to create links between existing networks in Highland region.AssessmentTo be eligible for the locational premium, the new woodland must:
SeminarA public seminar was held on Wednesday 29th March on the Highland Locational Premium. PDF's of the presentations can be downloaded below including case studies of hypothetical schemes:
Surgeries and one-to-one evaluationAs the assessment of a scheme is complex, the intention is to use a series of public ‘surgeries’ where agency staff will available to assess proposals (click here for dates and further information), with additional one-to-one evaluation with FCS staff and Highland Birchwoods technical/specialist support as appropriate. By using this approach, alternatives can be explored to create the best possible schemes for all concerned, and an early indication of acceptability given to applicants. It is anticipated that the best value schemes for all concerned will involve a collaborative approach between adjacent land managers and stakeholders.ContactForestry Commission ScotlandHighland Conservancy, Fodderty Way, Dingwall IV15 9XB Tel: 01349 862144 Fax: 01349 866624 highland.conservancy@forestry.gsi.gov.uk Phil Baarda Highland Birchwoods, Littleburn Road, Munlochy, Ross-shire Tel: 01463 811663 Fax: 01463 811607 phil.baarda@highlandbirchwoods.co.uk LINKSEcological Site ClassificationNative Woodland Model Highland Indicative Forest strategy (pdf) Highland Forest Habitat network maps Highland Local Biodiversity Action Plans Information on BEETLE and Forest Habitat Networks The Forestry Commission’s information note no. 73: Evaluating Biodiversity in Fragmented Landscapes: Principles (pdf) |
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