Scotland's forestry industry needs to adapt to climate change

4 February, 2008

Scotland's forest industry will have to change its practices in order to keep woodlands strong and healthy in the face of climate change, according to Forestry Commission Scotland.

A report from the commission recommends that the forestry industry looks at the type and range of species it cultivates, as well as operational practices such as nursery work through to harvesting.

Key points from the Impacts of Climate Change on Forests and Forestry in Scotland report include integrating more high-quality broadleaved trees to forests, finding a replacement for Sitka spruce as conditions change and dealing with the increased amount of damage to timber by high winds and wet soil.

"The commission's proposals will help the people who manage the country’s forests and woodlands to consider what steps they can take now to ensure that those forests remain strong, healthy and accessible for generations to come," said Scottish environment minister Michael Russell.

“Making changes now could help the forestry industry both to minimise the effects of climate change in Scotland’s woodlands and to exploit evolving conditions to best effect.”

Adequate training for staff to ensure they are equipped with the right information to deal with the changing nature of Scotland's forests is also important, said the report.