Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
Press Release
27 October 2008
WESTERN ISLES NATIVE WOODLAND RESTORATION SURVEY REPORT PUBLISHED
The publication of the Western Isles Native Woodland Restoration Survey Report is a major milestone for native woodland regeneration and enhancement in the Western Isles. The report was formally launched by Councillor Archie Campbell, chairman of the Comhairle’s Sustainable Development Committee and Andrew Thin, chairman of the SNH Board during a visit to Stornoway on 27th October. Prior to the production of the Western Isles Woodland Strategy and the Native Woodland Habitat Action Plan (HAP), both in 2004, native woodland restoration and development was limited in the Western Isles. Both documents identify the survey of existing native woodland as one of the priorities for action.
The survey and report production was undertaken by the Comhairle’s Woodland Project Officer during 2007 with grant funding from Scottish Natural Heritage. The purpose of the survey was to provide baseline information for future actions and to identify key areas for protection and expansion. A desk based exercise led to a list of 50 sites being prioritised for more detailed survey. From the detailed survey results core areas of native woodland cover have been highlighted. Fourteen key sites within these core areas are described in detail in the report along with recommendations for regeneration and enhancement. The recommendations contained in the survey report will support delivery of the Western Isles Woodland Strategy and the Native Woodland HAP.
Cllr Archie Campbell said “The Comhairle has welcomed this opportunity to work in partnership with SNH to undertake a survey of the Western Isles native woodland resource. I hope that the report will encourage land managers to carry out restoration and enhancement projects and to build on the success of earlier planting and regeneration schemes funded through the Scottish Forestry Grant Scheme and Western Isles Locational Premium.”
Chairman of the SNH Board, Andrew Thin, said:
"The Western Isles have a reputation for being a treeless environment. This report highlights the fact that there are many areas of remnant native woodland that have potential to expand and create new areas of woodland for the benefit of the Western Isles. It would be good to see some of the recommendations in the report turning into real projects, and SNH will be able to help people to develop these projects."
The report can be viewed on the Native Woodlands website. Alternatively copies can be obtained from the Comhairle’s Biodiversity Officer (Tel: 01870 602425 Email: amaclellan@cne-siar.gov.uk) or at the SNH Offices in Stornoway or Stilligarry.
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Nigel Scott
Communications Officer
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
Tel: 01851 822622 (Work)
Tel: 07884 236103 (Mobile)
email: nscott@cne-siar.gov.uk
Ruairidh Maciver
Communications Assistant
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
Tel: 01851 822615 (Work)
Tel: 07881 774601 (Mobile)
email: ruairidh.maciver@cne-siar.gov.uk
