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East Nethershields

Thank you for your interest in this exciting new woodland creation project at East Nethershields, which aims to sequester carbon and increase biodiversity for wildlife.

The proposed scheme will strengthen the rural character of the landscape and enclose and screen many of the man-made features in and around the site.

Please see the proposed details below, which have been formulated through consultation and detailed surveys. 

We have undertaken this work as per Scottish Forestry’s process to complete our due diligence on the site and engage with all relevant stakeholders. Scottish Forestry are satisfied with our due diligence and have confirmed that the project may proceed and does not require an Environmental Impact Assessment. Our application is currently being considered for the Forestry Grant Scheme, which will enable us to carry out the woodland establishment operations.

What is East Nethershields Woodland Creation?

Tilhill has created a woodland creation design on behalf of our client (the landowner), whose objectives are to sequester carbon in order to mitigate climate change while bringing many other benefits including local biodiversity improvements and developing a woodland for future generations to enjoy.

Below features all the surveys alongside a set of FAQ’s to help answer any questions you may have. If you have further questions or comments please do fill out the form at the bottom of this page which will go directly to the local Forest Manager.

Final Landscape Report

This report was commissioned by TIlhill to undertake a landscape and visual assessment. It is based on site survey carried out on 27th March 2023 and a desk-based assessment. During the site survey visit, in the company of Tilhill staff, a number of adjoining properties were visited and meetings were held with residents at 5 adjoining properties at Beechwood, Burn and Maiden Lea adjoining Lot 1 area and Cloverhill and Cloverhill Cottage adjoining Lot 2.

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Maps and Letter to Neighbours

Letter to Neighbours

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Design Update Lot 1

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Design Update Lot 2

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Species Info 1a

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Species Info 1b

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Species Info 1c

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Species Info 2a

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Species Info 2b

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Species Info 2c

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Find out more about the East Nethershields Woodland Creation Plan

What is the proposed planting design?

The woodland design is spread across two sites, ‘Lot 1’ and ‘Lot 2’. Both areas comprise natives tree species, such as rowan, birch, alder and oak, using smaller trees and shrubs along edges to soften the appearance of the woodland boundary.

Moisture-favouring species such as willow and alder will be used in damper areas, which will help to alleviate local flooding issues while creating a wet woodland habitat.

For further information, read the landscape report above.

How many trees will be planted?

110,000 trees will be planted.

What types of trees will be planted? And why?

The woodland will consist of native tree species (68.8 hectares), including species such as oak, rowan, birch, alder, and cherry; these trees are lacking in the landscape, and so this represents a fantastic opportunity to bring back native woodland into the landscape. It is intended to manage the woodland as a long-term carbon store, without harvesting.

How much carbon will be sequestered throughout this project?

23,500 tonnes of CO2e is set to be sequesteredequivalent to emissions from the annual energy use of approximately 2,300 homes or roughly equivalent to the annual greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from 4,600 cars. 

Why plant trees?

Trees are essential for people, wildlife and the environment. They are one of our best tools for sequestering carbon and therefore tackling the climate crisis we find ourselves in. Woodlands are particularly precious habitats for land-based wildlife, improving water quality run off, whilst preventing flooding, so planting trees can lead to substantial improvement for local biodiversity.  

Woodlands are special places to visit, and they are known for their social and mental health benefits. The proximity of this proposed woodland to Chapelton and Strathaven means that these benefits may be enjoyed by the local community. Accordingly, the suitability of this site is recognised in the local woodland strategy, and it will form part of the Central Scotland Green Network, which aims to restore the landscape in this region.

Does the site offer community access?

The site is open access in accordance with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. There will be gaps within the planting areas to create areas of open ground and the ability for visitors to walk around and enjoy the woodland.

You can find more information on access in the final landscape report above.

Species/ wildlife on site?

The proposed woodland is expected to benefit the existing bird and mammal communities. The increased structural diversity provided by woodland trees and open ground will create new habitats for wildlife, including shelter and nesting sites leading to net biodiversity gain across the site. The existing areas of deep peat and calcareous grassland within the site will be left as open ground and enhanced further by reducing grazing pressure. Tree species will be selected according to the context of each part of the site to benefit the land and ensure successful establishment. 

 

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