How is the commercial planting of invasive non-native tree species affecting communities and nature in Scotland? Hear from campaigners on systemic issues in Scotland’s commercial forestry policy.
Why you should know about commercial tree plantations
Commercial tree planting in Scotland continues to expand supported by regulatory exemptions, tax relief and public funding.
Commercial plantations are far less biodiverse than native woods, usually dominated by a densely planted single species of invasive non-native conifer. Commercial conifers are now spreading into Scotland’s native woodlands and other ecosystems. Meanwhile, intensive mechanical planting and harvesting of trees, use of chemicals and poor management can degrade soils and waterways, and release carbon from peatlands. Local communities may receive little to no benefit from plantations in their area and are struggling to have their voices heard.
What needs to change in Scotland’s commercial forestry policy for people and nature?
Watch the webinar to get up to speed on systemic issues in commercial tree planting and hear from campaigners witnessing the impacts on the ground.
Commercial tree plantations 101
Joining ERCS will be campaigners Audrey Baird from campaign group Help Trees Help Us and Morag Paterson, freelance consultant and member of Communities for Diverse Forestry and Forest Policy Group.
Together we will talk you through:
- What are commercial tree plantations and what are the regulation issues in Scotland?
- How are invasive conifers from commercial plantations affecting Scotland’s remaining 1-2% of ancient woodland?
- Why can local community consultation for new plantations be problematic and how can it be improved?
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