environmental assessment (scotland) act 2005 · 2014. 6. 3. · quality silviculture and...
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Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005
Forest Enterprise Scotland
District Strategic Plans 2014-2017
SEA Environmental Report
Appendix E - Current and Recent Research Mapped
to Strategic Themes and Key Commitments
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2 | Appendix E | Current and Recent Research Mapped to Strategic Themes and Key Commitmenst |
Current and Recent Research Mapped to Strategic Themes and Key Commitments
Key Commitments Specific
Activities
Research available currently and in the near future
Healthy Theme
1. We are
committed to high
quality silviculture
and increasingly
using alternatives to
clear-felling
1. We will identify
where
alternatives to
clearfell can be
practised on the
Estate, and build
this into our Land
Management
Plans
OGB7 ‘Managing Continuous Cover Forests’ is the main guidance for forest managers. More detail
can be found in FCIN29,40,45 and 63.
If mangers wish to undertake active monitoring of stands being transformed to CCF and use the
method described in FCIN45 then FR have software that will help ‘work-up’ the data collected.
Current guidance on respacing can be found in Forestry Commission Practice Note 16 ‘Respacing
naturally regenerating Sitka spruce and other conifers’ by Bill Mason.
There are a network of Trial Areas where forest managers can visit and see transformation in action
and also various Research trials. These are co-ordinated by the FC CCF Working Group. Forest
Research have also been involved in more intensive monitoring at Wykeham, Glentress and
Clocaenog.
The chances of securing good natural regeneration of conifers can be assessed using a scoring
method described in Scottish Forestry in 2011, 65(4), although the field guide in Quarterly Journal of
Forestry may be a better reference (QJF, January 2012).
Guidance on operational aspects of CCF can be found in three Technical Development publications on
the Trial Areas, harvester head technology and respacing.
GIS tools from FR can be used to identify suitable areas for ATC on the basis of soils, wind risk (and
thinning history)
Use of Ecological Site Classification to underpin species choices ensures that choices for both restock
and afforestation are suited to soils and climate.]
Web-based woodland grazing toolbox allows staff to assess browsing pressure and minimise
browsing damage to levels where ATC is feasible??– Robin Gill previously Helen Armstrong??
Ireland, D., Nisbet, T.R. and Broadmeadow, S. (2006). Environmental best practice for continuous
cover forestry. Environment Agency Science Report: SC020051/SR, 73 pp. Environment Agency,
Bristol.
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3 | Appendix E | Current and Recent Research Mapped to Strategic Themes and Key Commitmenst |
Current and Recent Research Mapped to Strategic Themes and Key Commitments
Key Commitments Specific
Activities
Research available currently and in the near future
2. We are
increasing
investment in
stand
management
practices that will
improve the
silvicultural
quality of Estate
woodlands.
GIS tools allow spatial representation at landscape scale and can be used to identify areas suitable for
thinning on the basis of wind risk.
2. We are exploring
how to best steward
the carbon resources
locked up in both the
Estate’s trees and
soils
3. We will seek
the latest
research and
advice on
management
techniques to
conserve carbon
in soils and
biomass.
Understanding the carbon and greenhouse gas balance of forests in Britain (PDF-7422K). Forestry
Commission Research Report 18. Forestry Commission, Edinburgh. i–vi + 1–149 pp Morison, J.,
Matthews, R., Miller, G., Perks, M., Randle, T., Vanguelova, E., White, M. and Yamulki, S. (2012)
is the best scientific summary
Methods to assess and predict forest Carbon stocks and their changes over time underpin the
Woodland Carbon Code, and are documented there. http://www.forestry.gov.uk/carboncode
Carbon and other GHG flux measurements allow us to measure and model the impacts of weather,
management and climate change on forest growth. FR has established a peaty-gley conifer site at
Harwood, and is collaborating there with University of Edinburgh and at their Griffin site.
Measurements from present and past thinning operations in the oak stand at Alice Holt is
quantifying the immediate and subsequent effects of thinning on CO2 fluxes and Carbon
sequestration.
Carbon & GHG flux research at East Grange, Fife on willow coppice and short rotation forestry
species, and a UK-wide sampling of 29 recent Short Rotation Forestry sites (consortium led by
CEH) on mineral soils is telling us how soil and whole system carbon changes when ex-agricultural
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4 | Appendix E | Current and Recent Research Mapped to Strategic Themes and Key Commitmenst |
Current and Recent Research Mapped to Strategic Themes and Key Commitments
Key Commitments Specific
Activities
Research available currently and in the near future
soils are afforested in different ways
Understanding the GHG implications of forestry on peat soils in Scotland (PDF-2140K). Morison, J.I.L.,
Vanguelova, E., Broadmeadow, S., Perks, M., Yamulki, S. & Randle, T. (2010). Report for Forestry
Commission Scotland, October 2010, Forest Research, 56pp. Information in this report and other
work for Climate Exchange has been used to underpin the Interim recommendations on restocking
on deep peat soils.
Methods have been developed to measure stand-scale N2O and CH4 fluxes as well as CO2 fluxes so
that we understand the overall greenhouse gas balance
The impacts of tree removal from the Flow Country and various options for bog restoration and
residue management are being monitored to assess the overall impacts on the soil and whole
system carbon.
Development of ‘peat toolkit’ to:
• Help forest managers and owners identify their afforested peatland.
• Indicate sites likely to provide greater net benefit through restoration.
• Allow forest managers to assess sites for themselves.
Long term impacts of early silvicultural operations research programme.
Early weed control can increase long-term growth, yield and carbon sequestration of Sitka spruce
stands in Britain. Stokes, V.J. and Willoughby, I.H. (2014)
http://forestry.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/reprint/cpu001?
ijkey=nUXUyo05vZvSAf7&keytype=ref
Evaluation of soil carbon stocks and deadwood based on BioSoil, Level I, Level II and national soil
surveys. Assessing soil C changes from chronosequence studies and long term monitoring. Elena
Vanguelova and Peter Crow
Evaluation of the impact of afforestation on soil carbon and nutrient potential in a chronosequence
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5 | Appendix E | Current and Recent Research Mapped to Strategic Themes and Key Commitmenst |
Current and Recent Research Mapped to Strategic Themes and Key Commitments
Key Commitments Specific
Activities
Research available currently and in the near future
study of Sitka spruce on peaty gley soils in Kielder forest. Elena Vanguelova and Peter Crow
3. We will help the
Estate to adapt to
climate change and
become more
resilient to pressure
4. We will
implement
mitigation
strategies for
current tree
disease threats
such as
Dothistroma
needle blight of
pine,
Phytophthora
disease of larch
and Chalara
disease of ash
Detailed, practical recommendations for the integrated management of all major pest, weed and
disease problems facing forest managers in the UK is given in the new publication:-
Weed, Pest and Disease Management in Forestry - minimising pesticide use in the forest.
Willoughby, I., Evans, H., Brown, A., Denman, S., Hendry, S., Jones, B., Mayle, B., Moore, R.,
Nisbet, T., Straw, N., Trout, R., Tubby, K., Webber, J. (2012). This text was completed in March
2012, and is awaiting publication by the FC but in the interim is available as an internal draft report.
Short-term mitigation through management of diseased stands
a) Ash – Gary Kerr and Ian Willoughby
b) Pines. Dothistroma Field Guide 2012 gives disease symptoms and sampling instructions – Anna
Brown
New guidance on the use of aerial spraying for the management of pests and diseases is given in
:-Aerial application of pesticides in forestry. Willoughby, I., Evans, H. and Jones, B. (2013) Forest
Research internal report. This supports current research on aerial application of copper fungicides to
control Dothistroma.
Hylobius abieits – research into alternative insecticides and physical protection methods, and
support for derogation applications and approvals.
Heterobasidion annosum – research into reducing the risk of infection when practising chemical
thinning (e.g. use of Ecoplugs).
Supporting maintenance of pesticides as a management option for pests and diseases:-
Derogation applications for pesticides on the FSC’s ‘highly hazardous’ list.
Maintenance of approvals.
Advice on the use of pesticides and pesticide reduction
Detailed practical guidance on legal and policy requirements for pesticide use on the national
forest estate are given in :- Operational Guidance Booklet 15. Using chemicals in the forest.
Forestry Commission Operational Guidance Booklet 15. Willoughby, I. (2013). Forestry
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6 | Appendix E | Current and Recent Research Mapped to Strategic Themes and Key Commitmenst |
Current and Recent Research Mapped to Strategic Themes and Key Commitments
Key Commitments Specific
Activities
Research available currently and in the near future
Commission internal report.
FR are investigating the genetic diversity of Dothistroma in a PhD project
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7 | Appendix E | Current and Recent Research Mapped to Strategic Themes and Key Commitmenst |
Current and Recent Research Mapped to Strategic Themes and Key Commitments
Key Commitments Specific
Activities
Research available currently and in the near future
5. We will
develop and
implement a
landscape scale
spatial planning
approach that
promotes
adaptation and
mitigation of
climate change in
accordance with
the FCS Climate
Change Action
Plan
GIS tools allow spatial representation at landscape scale in particular:
a) Ecological Site Classification informs species choice on the basis of climate, soil moisture and soil
fertility [and the most recent version can be run using climate change scenarios ] and is being used
to support the Woodland Expansion Advisory Group
b) Opportunity mapping at a landscape-scale for woodland to mitigate flood risk identifies the best
location for trees– Tom Nisbet, Samantha Broadmeadow, Huw Thomas and Nadeem Shah
(Broadmeadow, S., Thomas, H., Shah, N and Nisbet, T.R., 2013. Opportunity mapping for woodland
creation to improve water quality and reduce flood risk in the River Tay catchment – a pilot for
Scotland. Final Report to FC Scotland and SEPA (40 pp); Thomas, H. and Nisbet, T.R., 2013. Climate
change adaptation in the Glasgow and Clyde Valley: Opportunity mapping for woodland creation to
reduce flood risk. Final Report to the Glasgow & Clyde Valley Green Network. (42 pp).
c) Habitat network mapping to encourage (or discourage) the movement of plants and animals in
response to climate change – Kevin Watts
d)Urban forest vulnerability to climate change, risk analysis maps, including tolerance of street and
greenspace trees to drought and floods
e) iTree Scenario project. Projection of ecosystem service delivery by young, semi-mature and
mature urban forests, under a changing climate
Information on alternative species is summarised in http://www.forestry.gov.uk/fr/treespecies
covering native range, provenance, site requirements, pest and pathogens and use of 60 species –
Bill Mason and Richard Jinks
Working through ClimateXChange and others to expand information available on alternative
species e.g. Silvifuture web resource, and videos,.
FR are using a landscape genetic approach to examine whether connectivity in the landscape
promotes gene flow. Also for connectivity work FR are using radio tracking to follow squirrel
movement in the landscape and also hoping to so this with pine martens.
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8 | Appendix E | Current and Recent Research Mapped to Strategic Themes and Key Commitmenst |
Current and Recent Research Mapped to Strategic Themes and Key Commitments
Key Commitments Specific
Activities
Research available currently and in the near future
6. We will publish
a deer
management
strategy
Web-based woodland grazing toolbox allows us to assess browsing pressure and minimise
browsing damage
7. We will
implement a
programme of
work to mitigate
slope stability
risks on the
Estate
FR staff are members of FES team and support for Long Term Management on Steep Slopes
Project, including drafting of new guidance.
Reports on steep slope working in Lael Forest. Tom Nisbet, Bill Rayner and Andy Kennedy
From Ecoslopes objectives - Developing a Slopes Decision Support System (SDSS), to be used as
a tool by foresters, engineers and eco-engineers.
Assessment procedure to identify the hydrological factors contributing to high erosion risk
4. We are committed
to dealing with
invasive plants and
animals that threaten
habitats and
biodiversity
8. We will achieve
a 40% reduction
in the area of
Rhododendron
across the Estate
Detailed, practical recommendations for the integrated management of all major pest, weed and
disease problems facing forest managers in the UK is given in the new publication:- Weed, Pest and
Disease Management in Forestry - minimising pesticide use in the forest. Willoughby, I., Evans, H.,
Brown, A., Denman, S., Hendry, S., Jones, B., Mayle, B., Moore, R., Nisbet, T., Straw, N., Trout, R.,
Tubby, K., Webber, J. (2012). This text was completed in March 2012, and is awaiting publication
by the FC (CFS), but in the interim is available as an internal draft report.
Detailed practical guidance on legal and policy requirements for pesticide use on the national
forest estate are given in :- Operational Guidance Booklet 15. Using chemicals in the forest. Forestry
Commission Operational Guidance Booklet 15. Willoughby, I. (2013). Forestry Commission internal
report.
The results of recent research on mechanical and chemical clearance techniques for rhododendron,
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9 | Appendix E | Current and Recent Research Mapped to Strategic Themes and Key Commitmenst |
Current and Recent Research Mapped to Strategic Themes and Key Commitments
Key Commitments Specific
Activities
Research available currently and in the near future
including the use of biocontrol agents, will be published shortly.
Further experimentation to develop cost-effective, environmentally acceptable methods, e.g.
Ecoplugs for chemical thinning and rhododendron control.
Potential to use Unmanned Aerial Vehicle to identify Rhododendron and plan control measures.
Productive Theme
5. We aim to increase
the contribution of the
National Forest Estate
to the economy of
Scotland and its
regions and recognise
the potential of the
Estate to assist
transition to a low
carbon economy
9. With partners,
we will seek new
timber transport
solutions to bring
inaccessible timber
to the market,
including the
building of a
bespoke timber
pier on Mull
10. We will
implement master-
plans for key
recreation hubs to
increase their
contribution to the
local economy
11. We will look at
FR are currently working developing the evidence base for FES around cultural ecosystem services and
are currently focusing on the areas of recreation and health
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10 | Appendix E | Current and Recent Research Mapped to Strategic Themes and Key Commitmenst |
Current and Recent Research Mapped to Strategic Themes and Key Commitments
Key Commitments Specific
Activities
Research available currently and in the near future
the sustainable
economic potential
of the extensive
moorlands on the
Estate
6. We aim to provide
at least three million
cubic metres of
softwood timber every
year on a sustainable
basis
12. We will
identify strategies
to smooth timber
production
profiles for the
next 50 years
The Production Forecast can be used to determine time of max mean annual increment with broader
range of management options for our principal commercial species but there is less information for
broader range of species – Robert Matthews and Tom Jenkins
7. We intend to
manage at least a
quarter of our
expanding
broadleaved
woodlands to
produce quality
hardwoods and
fuelwood
13. We will
identify existing
woodland and
new planting sites
where we will
commit to
management for
future hardwood
timber
Managing Native Broadleaved Woodland by Harmer, Kerr and Thompson
FR developed GIS tools can be used to identify suitable new planting sites
Silvicultural summary web pages developed by FR for broadleaved species in Scotland
Growing birch in Scotland for quality timber Report produced for FC Scotland (Timber
Development Programme), November 2012. (Price and Macdonald)
Shake in oak: an evidence report. FC commissioned research report – at late draft stage.
Active FR involvement with the ‘Future Trees Trust’ (Steve Lee and Rob Sykes)
8. We will market
[timber] in ways
that encourage
value adding and
14. We will use
value adding and
additional jobs as
criteria in the
Acoustic tools developed by FR can be used for the testing/grading of logs and sawn timber at a
small scale, suitable for low volume producers – might benefit specialist markets.
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11 | Appendix E | Current and Recent Research Mapped to Strategic Themes and Key Commitmenst |
Current and Recent Research Mapped to Strategic Themes and Key Commitments
Key Commitments Specific
Activities
Research available currently and in the near future
additional jobs in
manufacturing and
processing,
recognising the
benefits of
contributing to local
economic activity,
especially in the
more fragile rural
areas
award of long-
term timber
contracts
15. We will
further develop
the use of ‘log-
shops’ for local
sale of specialist
timbers to
support small-
scale wood
processing.
9. We will use our
work programmes to
promote the
development of the
forestry and land
management sectors
16. We will
establish a basis
for monitoring
the contribution
of the Estate to
jobs and the
economy of
Scotland and its
regions
A piece of work, jointly commissioned with FCS will undertake an up-to-date economic analysis of
forestry in Scotland and also specifically the National Forest Estate contribution.
10. We plan to
increase agricultural
use of the Estate
17. We will
establish starter
farms linked to
Use of woodlands on farms to reduce sediment run-off and diffuse pollution – Tom Nisbet (Nisbet,
T., Silgram, M., Shah, N., Morrow, K. and Broadmeadow, S. (2011). Woodland for water: woodland
measures for meeting WFD objectives. Forest Research Monograph, 4, Forest Research, Surrey (156
pp).
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12 | Appendix E | Current and Recent Research Mapped to Strategic Themes and Key Commitmenst |
Current and Recent Research Mapped to Strategic Themes and Key Commitments
Key Commitments Specific
Activities
Research available currently and in the near future
where this is
consistent with
environmental
objectives
woodland
creation
proposals, and
identify
opportunities to
develop
exemplars of
forestry and
farming
integration
Use of woodlands around intensive units to reduce atmospheric pollution – Elena Vanguelova
Use of woodlands on farm woodland Carbon stock – FC sponsored PhD student ay Cranfield.
FR experiments and information on farm forestry and shelter woods.
FR tool developed to advise farmers about shelterbelt placement and management
Cost and benefits of ammonia reduction by shelter belts (Gregory Valatin)
11. We aim to realise
the Estate’s
renewable energy
potential whilst
achieving a
reasonable balance
with other objectives
18. We will work
with energy
businesses to
increase
renewable energy
generation on the
Estate in line with
the SG 2GW 2020
target, securing
leading-edge
community
benefits
19. We will seek
Calculator has been developed with Scottish Government funding to allow overall carbon balance
to be estimated. These will be refined to take better account of crop details.
Ways of quickly estimating the impacts of forest on wind speed and resultant energy generation
are nearly completed.
FR data on the impact of forests on turbulence and potential energy generation
Monitoring the impact of Short Rotation Forestry on water quality and quantity at Sibster, Alyth
and Squerreyes Estate in Kent.
Production Forecast can be used to estimate current and future availability of supply, including
woodfuel, from the NFE. GIS can be used to map the most promising opportunities, e.g. based on
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13 | Appendix E | Current and Recent Research Mapped to Strategic Themes and Key Commitmenst |
Current and Recent Research Mapped to Strategic Themes and Key Commitments
Key Commitments Specific
Activities
Research available currently and in the near future
to increase the
availability of
woody material
suitable for use
as a biofuel
scale, physical accessibility and nearby markets.
Short rotation forestry trials inform species choice and expected biomass yields.
Short rotation coppice trials inform species choice and expected biomass yields
New EU project (SIMWOOD) has the objective of increasing mobilisation of wood from existing
woodlands. The Scottish case study (Lochaber) will focus on SP woodlands on the NFE and in
community management.
12. We will work with
partners to find new
ways to harness our
natural and cultural
heritage and develop
the Estate’s potential
for tourism
20. We are
making
significant
investments in
our visitor centre
facilities to
increase their
contribution to
local economic
growth
21. We will
develop a
network of high
quality wildlife
viewing
destinations
across Scotland
Review of Visitor Experience Planning
Social Forestry Toolbox: A toolbox for public engagement in forest and woodland planning
www.forestry.gov.uk/toolbox
FES Wildlife Tourism Project Business Case inc. cost / benefits analysis
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14 | Appendix E | Current and Recent Research Mapped to Strategic Themes and Key Commitmenst |
Current and Recent Research Mapped to Strategic Themes and Key Commitments
Key Commitments Specific
Activities
Research available currently and in the near future
22. We will work
in partnerships
like the 7stanes
Mountain Biking
Community
Interest Company
(CiC), and the
Galloway Dark
Skies initiative to
promote the
tourism potential
of the Estate
EKOS Economic Impact Assessment Report and Recommendations for 7stanes
Scottish Enterprise / FES report – Tourism Development in Galloway Forest Park
13. We will support
the Scottish
Government's
woodland expansion
policy
23. We will
implement an
annual woodland
creation
programme in
line with the
recommendations
of the Woodland
Expansion
Advisory Group
FR GIS tools allow spatial representation at landscape scale to help planning of woodland creation:
a) Ecological Site Classification informs species choice on the basis of climate, soil moisture and soil
fertility [and the most recent version can be run using climate change scenarios ]. ESC is being used
in partnership with JHI and others to support work of WEAG and following on, and is being linked to
model estimates of Carbon stock in trees, vegetation and soils.
b) Habitat networks tool (BEETLE - Biological and Environmental Evaluation Tools for Landscape
Ecology) can be used so that existing woodlands can be linked to best effect
c) Establishment Management Information System (EMIS) can be used to advise on plant type,
planting times.
d) FR work on conversion of conifer plantations to broadleaves and the effect on biodiversity.
e) Opportunity mapping for woodland for water (Broadmeadow, S., Thomas, H., Shah, N and Nisbet,
T.R., 2013. Opportunity mapping for woodland creation to improve water quality and reduce flood
risk in the River Tay catchment – a pilot for Scotland. Final Report to FC Scotland and SEPA (40
pp); Thomas, H. and Nisbet, T.R., 2013. Climate change adaptation in the Glasgow and Clyde
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15 | Appendix E | Current and Recent Research Mapped to Strategic Themes and Key Commitmenst |
Current and Recent Research Mapped to Strategic Themes and Key Commitments
Key Commitments Specific
Activities
Research available currently and in the near future
Valley: Opportunity mapping for woodland creation to reduce flood risk. Final Report to the Glasgow
& Clyde Valley Green Network. (42 pp).
f) Ongoing application of opportunity mapping work to another 13 priority catchments in Scotland.
g) Benefits of woodland for water: (Nisbet, T., Silgram, M., Shah, N., Morrow, K. and Broadmeadow, S.
(2011). Woodland for water: woodland measures for meeting WFD objectives. Forest Research
Monograph, 4, Forest Research, Surrey (156 pp).
Biomass, productivity and carbon stocks for the NFE using a new Woodland Carbon Code method
Treasured Theme
14. We want to
encourage local
people to get
involved with using
and managing local
Estate woodlands so
we will actively
engage with local
communities and be
open to work in
partnership
24. There is strong
support for our
approach to
delivering
community
benefits,
recognising that we
have achieved
much, for example
through
appointment of
local Community
Rangers, the Woods
In and Around
FR has skills to help assess effectiveness of FES engagement with communities and are used to
support and advise local FES teams.
Review of Visitor Experience Planning
Social Forestry Toolbox: A toolbox for public engagement in forest and woodland planning
www.forestry.gov.uk/toolbox
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16 | Appendix E | Current and Recent Research Mapped to Strategic Themes and Key Commitmenst |
Current and Recent Research Mapped to Strategic Themes and Key Commitments
Key Commitments Specific
Activities
Research available currently and in the near future
Towns programme,
the National Forest
Land Scheme, and
Community Led
Renewable
Developments, but
also recognising
that our capacity is
under pressure.
Looking ahead, we
will commission an
external "health
check" of our
performance to help
us sustain and
develop our delivery
of community
benefits.
25. Working with
developers we
will provide the
opportunity for
communities to
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17 | Appendix E | Current and Recent Research Mapped to Strategic Themes and Key Commitmenst |
Current and Recent Research Mapped to Strategic Themes and Key Commitments
Key Commitments Specific
Activities
Research available currently and in the near future
benefit from or
invest in
renewable energy
developments on
the Estate
15. We will continue
to use the Estate as
a place for
volunteering and
gaining employment
skills
26. We will provide
opportunities for
over 100
employment skills
placements, 30
apprenticeships
and 8 internships
per year.
FR has skills to help assess effectiveness of FES engagement with communities and are used to
support and advise local FES teams.
Review of Visitor Experience Planning
Social Forestry Toolbox: A toolbox for public engagement in forest and woodland planning
www.forestry.gov.uk/toolbox
16. We are
committed to
creating more
uniquely special
places across the
Estate and to
delivering benefits to
an increasingly
diverse range of
Scotland’s people
27. We will define
and invest in
management of
visitor zones to
make them
attractive and
welcoming
29. We will work
with partners in
the Cairngorms
FR has skills to help assess effectiveness of FES engagement with communities and are used to
support and advise local FES teams.
Review of Visitor Experience Planning
Social Forestry Toolbox: A toolbox for public engagement in forest and woodland planning
www.forestry.gov.uk/toolbox
Joint collaborative projects on Cairngorm rare plants (e.g. twinflower) and animals (e.g. red
squirrel and pine martens) are ongoing.
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18 | Appendix E | Current and Recent Research Mapped to Strategic Themes and Key Commitmenst |
Current and Recent Research Mapped to Strategic Themes and Key Commitments
Key Commitments Specific
Activities
Research available currently and in the near future
and Loch Lomond
and the
Trossachs
National Parks to
implement the
National Park
Partnership Plans
Work on landscape connectivity for geneflow in important and rare insect forest species e.g. wood
ants wood crickets.
Work on the effect of woodland management on Lepidoptera assemblages.
Work on assessing how to measure Forest Condition for Biodiversity.
17. We recognise the
value of the Estate as
a place for research
and development of
best practice
30. We will work
with Forest
Research and
other specialists
to demonstrate
best practice and
provide long-term
monitoring sites,
for example in
relation to
ecosystem
management,
climate change
adaptation and
energy forestry
Queen Elizabeth Research Forest is building its capacity to demonstrate
a) adaptation of management for climate change
b) remote sensing to update and refine sub-compartment database
c) choice of species and management to improve water quality and quantity
Reserve and database of long-term experiments provides information relevant to management on
species, provenance and family choice; cultivation and drainage; weed control; spacing; thinning;
residue management
The Level 2 Monitoring plots provide detailed information on growth, function, and biodiversity of
managed stands of SS, SP and oak stands as affected by environmental factors such as acid rain,
atmospheric inputs, and climate
Long-term monitoring of water quality and quantity flowing from forests informs all aspects of forest
management (including assessing impacts of conifer affoestation at Halladale, impacts of clearfelling
on phosphate and carbon release to water at Flanders Moss, and effects of riparian woodland
planting and large woody debris dams on flood flows at Eddleston and Craik.
Assessment of catchments with freshwater pearl mussel populations potentially vulnerable to
impacts of clearfelling on peatlands
Forthcoming FC Practice Guide and Research Note on managing forestry and acidification.
Long-term monitoring of Hylobius through felling and restocking to inform choice of fallow period
and need to spray – Roger Moore
Work at East Grange under ELUM project on Carbon & Green House Gas balance of new Short
Rotation Forestry may be continued long-term to provide model site - funding permitted.
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19 | Appendix E | Current and Recent Research Mapped to Strategic Themes and Key Commitmenst |
Current and Recent Research Mapped to Strategic Themes and Key Commitments
Key Commitments Specific
Activities
Research available currently and in the near future
iTree Eco and iTree Eco UK studies provides only source of information on ecosystem services
delivered by the urban forest, including carbon sequestration rates and carbon storage
Treezilla provides opportunity incorporate citizen science into the quantification and valuation of the
urban forest and ecosystem services it provides
Growth curves for urban trees will enable modelling of carbon stocks in urban trees with forest
management and succession planning
Accessible Theme
18. We will continue
to invest available
resources into high
quality facilities that
encourage and help
visitors experience
and enjoy the
outdoor environment
31. We will work
with partners like
the Fieldfare
Trust and invest
in increasing the
accessibility of
key locations to a
wider cross-
section of society
through
thoughtful
design,
appropriate on
site provision
such as toilets
and high-quality
FR has skills to help assess effectiveness of FES engagement with communities and are used to
support and advise local FES teams.
Review of Visitor Experience Planning
Social Forestry Toolbox: A toolbox for public engagement in forest and woodland planning
www.forestry.gov.uk/toolbox
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20 | Appendix E | Current and Recent Research Mapped to Strategic Themes and Key Commitmenst |
Current and Recent Research Mapped to Strategic Themes and Key Commitments
Key Commitments Specific
Activities
Research available currently and in the near future
interpretation
32. We will
review our
policies on
provision of
recreation
facilities (laid out
in our framework
for access,
recreation and
tourism on the
National Forest
Estate)
33. We will renew
our visitor-facing
web site to
improve the
quality and
relevance of the
information we
provide to help
visitors find the
best locations for
them
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21 | Appendix E | Current and Recent Research Mapped to Strategic Themes and Key Commitmenst |
Current and Recent Research Mapped to Strategic Themes and Key Commitments
Key Commitments Specific
Activities
Research available currently and in the near future
19. We will continue
to encourage use of
the Estate for health
benefits and outdoor
learning
34. We will
continue to work
with education
and health
initiatives like
Forest School and
Branching Out.
WIAT health research studies www.forestry.gov.uk/wiat
Forest Education Initiative (FEI) evidence base
FR has skills to help assess effectiveness of FES engagement with communities and are used to
support and advise local FES teams.
Review of Visitor Experience Planning
Social Forestry Toolbox: A toolbox for public engagement in forest and woodland planning
www.forestry.gov.uk/toolbox
20. Through our
Woods In and Around
Towns (WIAT)
programme we aim
to provide more
opportunities for
more of Scotland’s
people to enjoy high-
quality countryside
and find health,
education, skills and
community
involvement benefits
35. We will create
significant new
woodland and out-
door access
facilities in the
Clyde Gateway
area on previously
derelict and vacant
land
Development of cost-effective methods to remediate degraded land so that it can support viable
woodlands and greenspace
Studies understanding social impacts of WIAT provides evidence for expansion and investment
FRs Best Practice Guidance Notes for Land Regeneration, and related FC publications including a
Practice Note on the Land Regeneration process
Research into the biological health of regenerated soils and the consequential affects on
ecosystem service delivery
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22 | Appendix E | Current and Recent Research Mapped to Strategic Themes and Key Commitmenst |
Current and Recent Research Mapped to Strategic Themes and Key Commitments
Key Commitments Specific
Activities
Research available currently and in the near future
36. We will consult
on the potential to
develop our
Kilpatrick Hills
acquisitions as an
important new
countryside
recreation
opportunity on the
northern edge of
Glasgow
37. We will work
closely with the
Central Scotland
Green Network
initiative to align
our contribution
with the larger
vision
38. We will make
suitable parts of
the Estate
available for
education,
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23 | Appendix E | Current and Recent Research Mapped to Strategic Themes and Key Commitmenst |
Current and Recent Research Mapped to Strategic Themes and Key Commitments
Key Commitments Specific
Activities
Research available currently and in the near future
volunteering, skills
training and
health-
improvement
projects and
programmes
Cared For Theme
21. We are restoring
around 85% of areas
on ancient woodland
sites to largely native
species.
22. The remaining
areas will be
enhanced through
our management
39. We will review
progress in the
enhancement of
ancient woodland
remnants and
restoration of
planted ancient
woodland sites to
native woodland
40. We will produce
internal guidance
for the
management of
semi-natural
woodlands to
Managing Broadleaved Native Woodland provides sound guidance
FR work on conversion of conifer plantations to broadleaves and the effect on biodiversity.
Three different measures of biodiversity currently in progress: NFI based method, detailed
Niches4Species method, coarse N4S method
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24 | Appendix E | Current and Recent Research Mapped to Strategic Themes and Key Commitmenst |
Current and Recent Research Mapped to Strategic Themes and Key Commitments
Key Commitments Specific
Activities
Research available currently and in the near future
ensure that our
existing ancient and
semi-natural
woodlands are well
cared for
23. We aim to
increase in
broadleaved tree
cover from the
current 8% of
woodland cover to
around 20%
41. We will use data
from the Native
Woodland Survey of
Scotland to identify
where expansion of
broadleaved
woodland will
improve the habitat
network and buffer
ancient woodland
fragments.
FR GIS tools allow spatial representation at landscape scale:
a)Ecological Site Classification informs species choice on the basis of climate, soil moisture and soil
fertility [and the most recent version can be run using climate change scenarios ]
b) Habitat networks models
Choice of broadleaved species and provenance - Bill Mason, Steve Lee, Richard Jinks, Joan Cottrell
Managing Broadleaved Native Woodland gives sound guidance – Gary Kerr and Alan Harrison
FR Report on trials on the use of direct seeding for low cost conversion of less productive conifer
plantations to native species.
FR / SEPA opportunity mapping to identify where woodland creation can best deliver water quality
benefits and reduce flood risk ((Broadmeadow, S., Thomas, H., Shah, N and Nisbet, T.R., 2013.
Opportunity mapping for woodland creation to improve water quality and reduce flood risk in the
River Tay catchment – a pilot for Scotland. Final Report to FC Scotland and SEPA (40 pp); Thomas,
H. and Nisbet, T.R., 2013. Climate change adaptation in the Glasgow and Clyde Valley: Opportunity
mapping for woodland creation to reduce flood risk. Final Report to the Glasgow & Clyde Valley
Green Network. (42 pp).
24. We are 42. We will keep FR Technical Development Branch - potential to use Unmanned Aerial Vehicle to survey open
habitats
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25 | Appendix E | Current and Recent Research Mapped to Strategic Themes and Key Commitmenst |
Current and Recent Research Mapped to Strategic Themes and Key Commitments
Key Commitments Specific
Activities
Research available currently and in the near future
committed to
maintaining the best
open habitats in good
ecological condition
our the open
habitat surveys
on track for
completion by
2019
43. We will
implement the
‘Strategic Guide
for Conservation
Management of
Open Priority
Habitats on the
National Forest
Estate’
25. We will identify
particularly
vulnerable species
for which the
National Forest
Estate is important
and take specific
conservation action
44. We will
strengthen our
monitoring and
status reporting
for key species
and habitats
FR HARPPS Decision support tool and Information system for managing Habitats and Rare Priority
and Protected Species – Alice Broome and Duncan Ray
26. We safeguard
archaeological sites
45. We will continue
to undertake
FR developed techniques using remote sensing to ‘strip away’ woodland cover to reveal detailed
land form below woodland is a powerful tool in finding and recording archaeological remains.
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26 | Appendix E | Current and Recent Research Mapped to Strategic Themes and Key Commitmenst |
Current and Recent Research Mapped to Strategic Themes and Key Commitments
Key Commitments Specific
Activities
Research available currently and in the near future
through our
planning and
management and
recognise special
places and features
with local cultural
meaning
conservation
management,
condition
monitoring and
archaeological
recording at
significant historic
assets
46. We will
continue to work
with stakeholders
to develop, share
and promote
best-practice
historic
environment
conservation
management
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27 | Appendix E | Current and Recent Research Mapped to Strategic Themes and Key Commitmenst |
Current and Recent Research Mapped to Strategic Themes and Key Commitments
Key Commitments Specific
Activities
Research available currently and in the near future
Good Value Theme
27. We will seek a
diverse range of
income sources to
underpin the cost of
managing the Estate,
and we will continually
look for ways to
achieve best value in
delivery of public
benefits
47. FC Guide to Economic Appraisal & Evaluation – FC Economics and Statistics Unit
Economic Analysis Reports for the National Forest Estate
28. We will make
progressive
reductions in the
emissions from our
Estate management
activities
48. We will
reduce our
carbon emission
in administrative
travel by 5% over
this plan period
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions from forest civil engineering , Technical Note , Alan
Dickerson, Bruce Nicoll, Mike Perks
http://www.forestry.gov.uk/PDF/FCTN020.pdf/$FILE/FCTN020.pdf
Understanding the carbon and greenhouse gas balance of forests in Britain (PDF-7422K). Forestry
Commission Research Report 18. Forestry Commission, Edinburgh. i–vi + 1–149 pp Morison, J.,
Matthews, R., Miller, G., Perks, M., Randle, T., Vanguelova, E., White, M. and Yamulki, S. (2012)
has information on GHG emissions from forestry operations.