GROWING BROADLEAVES FOR QUALITY TIMBER

A new report highlights 12 sites across the middle of Scotland demonstrating best practice in growing quality broadleaved timber which will help to develop the growth of broadleaved crops for quality timber.

The report, published by the Perth & Argyll Conservancy of Forestry Commission Scotland, promotes the sites as high standard demonstration areas for foresters and land managers, to visit and help develop their forest management skills to manage broadleaved trees for quality timber.

Launching the report at a recent meeting of the Perth and Argyll Regional Forestry Forum, Calum McDonald, Forestry Commissioner for Scotland, said:

"The report is intended as a positive contribution to encourage land managers and foresters to grow quality timber. Broadleaved woods are very important in terms of their landscape and conservation value but, if managed carefully and sympathetically, they can also produce fine stands of quality timber over many generations. I cannot think of a better way of promoting the qualities of a sustainable product than the use of Scottish-grown broadleaves.

"We are determined to help and support landowners who have these valuable resources and who want to make the most of them. This report is intended to be a valuable tool to allow landowners and foresters to appreciate different management techniques and the effects on a range of different tree species and site conditions."

The sites range from the lowlands and glens of Perthshire and Fife to further west in Argyll and the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park proving that it is possible to grow broadleaves across a range of sites, provided the most appropriate species is chosen for the right site.

Each site demonstrates the main ingredients needed to manage broadleaves to produce timber, including: the importance of high initial stocking; timely and heavy first thinning; maintaining good selective thinning practices throughout the rotation; the benefits of pruning; and the benefits of correctly sourced and improved planting stock along with the penalties of poorer seed origin.

Information sheets are also available and provide a detailed account of the management history and silvicultural issues for each site which will further help foresters learn from the visits.

George McRobbie, Chairman of the Perth and Argyll Regional Forestry Forum outlined his support for the report by adding:

"Across the Perth and Argyll Conservancy we have some of the best examples in Scotland of growing quality broadleaves. Many of our Scottish hardwoods go south or overseas once they are felled but by supporting our home grown industry it is hoped we can process more of these valuable timbers in Scotland."

Foresters, woodland owners and land managers are encouraged to visit the demonstration sites. Before visiting a privately owned site, please phone ahead and ask for permission. At sites managed by Forestry Commission Scotland this is not necessary.

The report was commissioned by the Commission's Perth and Argyll office and written by Rick Worrell, an independent expert in woodland management who has long campaigned for greater attention to be paid to growing broadleaved timber in Scotland.

For a copy of the report or more information please contact James McDougall of Perth and Argyll Conservancy at Forestry Commission Scotland, Algo Business Centre, Glenearn Road, Perth, PH2 0NJ.

Notes to editors:
1) The report is an early regional action in support of developing the hardwood sector as advocated in the recently launched Scottish Forestry Strategy. Both documents reflect the broad thrust of a national report, 'Growing Broadleaves for Quality Timber', prepared for Forestry Commission Scotland by a Working Group in 2005. With completion and approval of the Executive's Forestry Strategy, the Commission will now finalise a response to the Working Group's recommendations early in the New Year.


Media Enquiries to:
Claire Martin, Forestry Commission Scotland press office, tel: 0131 3146506
James McDougall, Perth and Argyll Conservancy, tel: 01738 442830
e-mail: claire.martin@forestry.gsi.gov.uk