Diversifying your business with woodland creation Douglas Priest,

Diversifying your business with woodland creation Douglas Priest, Forestry Consultant Benefits of Woods

Shelter Reduction of diffuse pollution Bank stabilisation Flood reduction Livestock management

Source of firewood / chipwood for on-site boiler Alternative income stream, both grants and timber Succession planning Tax Benefits Growing asset which adds value to farm No income tax on timber sales or grants

No capital gains tax on the growth in value of trees 100% relief on inheritance tax Planting Grants Selection of site Consider aims of woodland

Timber production Make use of less productive ground Screening Shelter for livestock Management of livestock Game Cover Selection of site

Consider Location of woodland Are there any issues with deep peat? (>50cm) Are there any designations? (SSSI, Archaeology etc.) https://map.environment.gov.scot/LIS_Agri/Agri.html Are there any protected species in the area? https://

records.nbnatlas.org/occurrences/7be02ab3-6f99-4f1d-beec-97a091894c95 Are you in a target area? http://maps.forestry.gov.uk/imf/imf.jsp?site=fcscotland_ext& Is it machine accessible? Does/will the site have lorry access/stacking space? Location in relation to existing markets?

Access for stacking Selection of trees Main commercial conifers Sitka Spruce Norway Spruce Douglas Fir

Scots Pine FCS map viewer will help determine viability of each option (http://maps.forestry.gov.uk/imf/imf.jsp?site=fcscotland_ext&) Ecological Site Classification website will give more accurate idea of specific species suitability (http:// www.forestdss.org.uk/geoforestdss/esc4.jsp) Establishment process

Planting (Year 1) Ensure site is protected (fencing or tubes) Control existing vegetation (funding available for gorse and bracken) Select appropriate ground preparation Consider woodland design for landscape impact, species choice, designed open ground, access etc. Select stocking density (over stock = less beat up)

Establishment process Management (Years 2 to 6) Maintenance payment for 5 years following establishment to help towards: Control herbivore pressure (no livestock until year 20) Control vegetation (spraying/weeding) Replacing losses (beating up) Fence inspections and maintenance

Funding for New Woodland

Initial planting grant Annual (x 5) maintenance grant Fencing: deer, stock, rabbit,upgrade,marking Tubes and vole guards Bracken control (225/Ha)

Gorse removal (720/net Ha) Sheep and Trees package Keep Basic Payment Planting Grants Sheep and Trees Conifer or Diverse Conifer, 10Ha to 50Ha

Infrastructure Roading 25.80/m Lay-bys 6.60/sq.m Thank You