The NFFN welcomes much of the coalition’s proposed developments, including:
But should native woodland creation targets be a higher percentage within the overall total target of 18,000ha per year?
While the NFFN supports woodland creation targets of 18,000 hectares per year by 2024/25, we would like to see a better balance between commercial woodland and native woodland, with a higher percentage for annual native woodland creation, which is currently set at 4,000 hectares per year, within the overall target. NFFN Scotland would like to see a better-balanced mix within commercial plantations, so we have a diversity of habitat and tree species providing a mixed landscape alongside timber production.
Practices for integrating tree planting with farming can bring multiple benefits to farmers alongside contributing to Government objectives. Agroforestry – whether as trees with crops or livestock – can improve soil, water and air quality, store carbon, create more space for wildlife habitats, increase productivity by improving conditions for livestock and plants, and offer diverse income streams by offering alternative products to market, such as fruit or nuts.
Read more: https://www.nffn.org.uk/scotland-sets-its-agenda-for-climate-and-nature-action/
- targets on restoring wildlife and nature declines by 2030;
- targets on achieving carbon sequestration, where carbon is removed from the atmosphere and stored in soil or plants.;
- the provision of a new support framework for delivering climate mitigation and nature restoration;
- funding to support land management that delivers public benefits under climate and nature outcomes;
- the objective to support rural communities alongside nature-based solutions
But should native woodland creation targets be a higher percentage within the overall total target of 18,000ha per year?
While the NFFN supports woodland creation targets of 18,000 hectares per year by 2024/25, we would like to see a better balance between commercial woodland and native woodland, with a higher percentage for annual native woodland creation, which is currently set at 4,000 hectares per year, within the overall target. NFFN Scotland would like to see a better-balanced mix within commercial plantations, so we have a diversity of habitat and tree species providing a mixed landscape alongside timber production.
Practices for integrating tree planting with farming can bring multiple benefits to farmers alongside contributing to Government objectives. Agroforestry – whether as trees with crops or livestock – can improve soil, water and air quality, store carbon, create more space for wildlife habitats, increase productivity by improving conditions for livestock and plants, and offer diverse income streams by offering alternative products to market, such as fruit or nuts.
Read more: https://www.nffn.org.uk/scotland-sets-its-agenda-for-climate-and-nature-action/