Chamber and committees

Scottish Forestry is not aware of reports of community concerns, but is aware that land in these areas has recently been sold and understands that some areas of new forestry planting are being considered. Scottish Forestry has not so far been contacted about the planting proposals but will of course play a full role applying all relevant guidance and standards to considering any such proposals received.

Landowners seeking permission for forestry planting must conduct surveys to identify any habitats or species that are present on site and take them into account as they design planting schemes. Projects must ensure that important habitats and species are protected and impacts are minimised.

Before granting permission Scottish Forestry carefully assesses all planting proposals to ensure they comply with environmental legislation and the UK Forestry Standard. Where schemes do not comply they must be modified or may be refused consent.

All significant tree planting proposals must follow the Woodland Creation Application Guidance which requires applicants to engage with local communities and use the information gathered to inform the planting design.

Local communities are encouraged to discuss their concerns with landowners or their agents at an early stage when planting plans are being developed. Local communities should clearly set out and explain their concerns so that they can be taken into account by the applicant as they refine their proposals.

Communities are also encouraged to provide comments directly to Scottish Forestry when proposals are subject to 28 day public consultations. When determining applications Scottish Forestry will check that concerns raised have been adequately addressed.

This is a matter for Dumfries and Galloway Council. I am aware that temporary heaters were relocated to Canonbie Primary School due to an issue with the school's boiler.

Dumfries and Galloway Council has stated that the boiler is working again. The Council has advised that replacement of the boiler will be considered for next financial year outwith the heating period when impact on the school will be minimised.

Protection for peatlands is included under the Environmental Impact Assessment (Scotland) (Forestry) 2017 regulations, where peat soils over 50cm are classed as sensitive areas and all proposals for planting require assessment.

The UK Forestry Standard (UKFS) provides guidance on tree planting on peatlands. Planting is not permitted on any peat over 50 cm in depth or where planting on peat soils would compromise adjacent habitats.

Further guidance is available at: https://forestry.gov.scot/publications/forests-and-the-environment/protecting-and-managing-soil-in-forests .

The Scottish Government has not previously been made aware of concerns relating to these specific schools. Dumfries and Galloway Council has confirmed that they are aware of the issue and have put in place a temporary measure to support connectivity.

The Scottish Government is aware of the community concerns regarding forestry planting at Cormilligan farm and the impact on local roads.

During the development of the planting proposal the potential impact on local roads resulting from future timber harvests in Cormilligan and nearby forests was carefully considered. Adjustments were made to future harvesting plans up to around 2060, to avoid peaks of activity and ensure that the demand on local roads was acceptable. This approach was agreed with the Highways Authority, Dumfries and Galloway Council, and the planting proposal was approved in July 2019.

I refer the member to the answer to the question S5W-25873 on 29 October 2019. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx .

The Scottish Government’s New Entrants to Farming Programme includes numerous activities to aid potential and aspiring new entrants to the agricultural industry. These activities ensure people have access to the skills and knowledge to act upon any opportunities that arise.

The Scottish Government published guidance in 2013 covering woodland creation on agricultural land, which recommends that larger scale tree planting should not generally be on prime or non-prime agricultural land (i.e. grades 1 – 4.2).