Formally established as an SCIO a year ago (October 2021) the Group grew out of discussions at the Blairgowrie and Rattray Climate Café on how members might reduce their personal emissions and so make a direct contribution towards the government’s net zero emissions target.

An on-line public meeting was held in March 2021 attended by more than 40 people. The discussions showed that the majority were equally or more enthusiastic about the environment and wildlife than carbon sequestration. As a result the emphasis of the Group was shifted towards the use of native species to maximise the benefits to biodiversity at the expense of a little potential carbon capture.

The modus operandi of the Group, which is reflected in its name, is to work in partnership with landowners rather than to aim to acquire land. The benefits will be shared between the Group and the landowner with both benefiting from the improvements of habitats and any carbon sequestered while group members have a stake in a small woodland and the landowner has improved relations with the community. This approach helps to reduce the funding requirements.

The Group got off to a good start with the offer of some land on a farm near Spittalfield. The site inquestion was part of a field used for grazing, but due to the low lying of the land part of the area regularly had standing water and was therefore largely covered in rushes and had little use for the grazing. The area was fenced off to prevent the livestock from damaging the trees and planting took place in March 2022. Subsequent inspections showed that the tree had grown well.

A draft agreement for the long-term use of the land was drawn up and discussed with the farmer and after a few minor amendments was agreed. A lawyer then converted the text into a Licence to Occupy which sets out the rights and obligations of both parties and makes provision for transfer of the land should either the group or the farmer cease to operate or otherwise dispose of the land.

This example has shown how small parcels of land that are unproductive or otherwise of low value for agriculture due to such things as bracken infestation or waterlogging, could be put to good use to improve habitats, sequester carbon and improve the landscape. An important aim of the group is to improve connectivity between existing woodlands in Tayside to increase the effective size of important habitats.

Alastair Fraser
Chairman TWP

Community Woodlands Association E-Newsletter Issue 36 Autumn/Winter 2022-3