FLS (Forestry and Land Scotland) are recognised for boosting biodiversity in balance with sustainable timber production

Biodiversity in Balance with Sustainable Timber Production-Forestry and Land Scotland’s management of the Knapdale in Argyll – where priority Atlantic rainforest habitats coexist with sustainable commercial timber forests – has been recognised for positive, sustained, and long-term outcomes for biodiversity.

80,000 Hours

That’s a remarkable amount of work hours for a single machine, the Norcar 600 owned by Erkki Rinne is taken well care of, it even has the original Diesel engine.
Kieran Anders Forestry

Kieran Anders is a forestry contractor working in the lake district. His work involves hand cutting and extracting timber using a skidder and tractor-trailer forwarder.
Promoting safety in the workplace

It is not possible to eliminate chain shot, but there are simple steps that can be taken to reduce the risk.
Glasfryn Fencing and Sawmill

Arwel takes great pride in the fact that the mill has no waste whatsoever, “the peelings are used for children’s playgrounds, gardens and for farm animals in barns in the winter and the sawdust has multiple uses in gardens and farms as well.
Keeping Timber Hauliers Safe

Timber hauliers need to encourage young blood in, and also look after the hauliers we have, we need make the sector a safe and positive place to work.

FIND US ON

The site has been awarded Nature30 status which means it is helping meet Scotland’s commitment to 30 by 30 – ensuring that 30% of our land and sea is protected for nature by 2030.

Nature30 sites are areas of land that are:

not an existing protected area
managed to have positive outcomes for biodiversity
subject to a long-term (typically at least 25 years) assurance that they will continue to be managed to deliver for biodiversity.

The integrated land management at Knapdale highlights how conservation and commercial forestry can be mutually beneficial. An area that is great for nature can also help boost Scotland’s rural economy, tackle climate change, provide sustainable materials and recreation opportunities.

Knapdale is a key area for FLS both in terms of native woodland restoration and associated habitat management and for continued timber production. Land management plans for the site reflect the equal consideration of safeguarding a diverse range of ecosystems that brings biodiversity benefits while also producing good quality timber.

Callum Strong, Regional Environment Advisor at Forestry and Land Scotland said:

“Knapdale, on the coast of Argyll, is nationally important in terms of its diversity of native habitats and wildlife. This includes temperate rainforest and the important lichen species this rare habitat supports.

“The area is also home to resident beaver populations that have begun to expand out of nearby protected areas, making this site a key example of how Nature30 sites will join up areas designated as Site of Special Scientific Interest and Special Area of Conservation.

“Much of this area has been under restoration to native woodland for several years and Nature30 status will underpin the future value of this habitat and the importance of ongoing conservation efforts.

“Knapdale is an example of how protection, restoration and conservation to improve biodiversity can be balanced with growing sustainable and productive forests for harvesting. The Nature30 award for is recognition of the fact FLS’ progressive land management plans are finding that balance.”

NatureScot’s Head of Protected Areas, Innovation and Data, Ben Ross said:

“With the urgent climate and nature crises we face today, we must work together to find the best ways to connect and improve nature across the country. Knapdale’s recognition as Scotland’s first Nature30 site on public land highlights the vital role Forestry and Land Scotland plays in nature recovery as well as the wider role the public estate has in achieving 30% of land protected for nature by 2030.

“It is great to see a public body leading the way with this recognition that will significantly improve the resilience of Scottish biodiversity as a whole.”