Scottish woodlands supporting biodiversity and the economy

Scotland accounts for nearly 75% of all new UK woodlands and 2023 saw the highest trajectory of woodland creation in 34 years which is driving up the value of land and helping the government achieve net zero targets.

Forestry contributes £1.1 billion to the economy and supports more than 34,000 jobs which represents a 30% increase since 2015 according to a report by Scottish Forestry.

But vital Scottish woodlands are under threat. Increased global trading of plants and trees combined with climate change means that woodlands which would have been previously inhospitable are now attractive to many harmful European species of moths and beetles.

Furthermore, with the number of deer doubling in the last 30 years to over 1 million, the impact of them eating seeds and younger trees, damaging older trees and over-grazing is considerable.

Tree tech solutions

In order to preserve the biodiversity and economic potential of Scottish woodlands, Cuthbertson suggests that investing in technology can help forests continue to thrive – and make working conditions safer.

Real-time tracking devices and drones could help wildlife rangers locate deer much quicker and without entering treacherous terrains to do so.

Laser technology can identify the best – and worst woodlands for sustainable development. Lasers can locate dead trees, disease outbreaks or signs of invasive species so that timely interventions can be made. They can also assist by identifying hazards like loose boulders that need to be removed before planting begins.

Investing in agricultural technology such as tree planting drones and underground irrigation can help seedlings grow quicker and taller – much faster. Pioneering indoor vertical farming technology can enable seedlings grow to marketable size around six times faster than traditional outdoor sowing.

Ensuring that ecological restoration and economic prosperity can continue to grow, woodland businesses need to be protected by specialist insurers that understand the nuances of this specialist sector.

From commercial timber processing to woodland tourism, this sustainable sector is vital to supporting both biodiversity and economic growth. Lycetts is able to protect traditional and tech-led forestry businesses with risk management and insurance solutions that are tailored to unique arboreal business needs.