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Penmanshiel Wind Farm RES

13-1 Volume 2: Main Report Chapter 13: Forestry

13 Forestry Introduction and Overview

13.1 A fundamental aspect of the proposed wind farm is the surrounding forest and its potential impact on turbine will have an influence on the flow pattern of the wind. This can be in the form of shielding/blocking the wind or can be the cause of turbulence which can have a damaging effect on the turbine blades.

13.2 Each turbine manufacturer has a different set of acceptance criteria of what height and distance a structure can be before it becomes unacceptable to the operation of the turbine. In designing this wind farm the applicant has considered the requirements of leading manufacturers and would expect the maximum allowable tree height within approximately 500 m of each turbine to be approximately 7 - 10 m (as measured in relation to the turbine base).

13.3 As the forestry on site is already at that height the trees will have to be felled. Also since much of the land around each turbine is already higher than the turbine base elevation it will not be possible to replant as the allowable 7-10 m height allowance is already effectively taken up. As a result it will be necessary to fell approximately 204 ha of coniferous woodland (please see Table 13.4 for a breakdown of this figure).

13.4 Impacts of this deforestation are considered within this chapter, which has been prepared by the Scottish Agricultural College.

13.5 Forests and woodlands supply multiple environmental resources, with the relative value of these resources being dependent upon the type of forest and its management. Woodlands, including plantation woodland, tend to become more complex through time, both structurally and biologically. As such, most woodland can be expected to gain in resource capital through time. The loss of environmental capital can therefore impact adversely on the environment.

13.6 The approach adopted in this assessment is to first describe and evaluate the forest in terms of a number of services that it provides (resource, ecological, amenity, social and biospheric). Having established a baseline the impacts of de-forestation upon these services are then assessed.

13.7 The Forestry assessment is closely linked with other environmental topics that are addressed elsewhere within the Environmental Statement (ES) and cross-references are made as appropriate. The following chapters are of particular relevance:

• landscape and visual impacts are assessed in Chapter 7: Landscape and Visual; • impacts on flora and fauna (excluding birds) are assessed in Chapter 8: Ecology; • impacts on the water environment are addressed in Chapter 11: Geology, Hydrology and

Hydrogeology; and • Traffic and transport impacts are assessed in Chapter 14: Access, Traffic and Transport.

Forest Location, Underlying Site Conditions and Access

13.8 The site lies between the A1 and the A1107, is located between 175 to 235 metres above mean sea level and has a mainly south easterly aspect sitting on the upper slopes of Meikle Black Law. The landform consists of rolling hill tops and associated hill slopes with steep-sided valleys. Surrounding land use is predominantly mixed farming and forestry.

13.9 The land under trees would formerly have been classed as rough grazing in an agricultural context, consisting of moorland, a semi-natural habitat. The underlying Ettrick soils series are derived from Ordovician and Silurian greywackes and shales, and form soil types which range from freely and imperfectly drained brown earths to poorly draining gleys and peats. These soils are suitable for both agricultural grazing and forestry, although wetter gleys and peats raise the risk of forest crop windthrow and consequently affect thinning intensity and rotation length.

13.10 Although transport connections to the site via trunk roads are excellent, there are no internal forest tracks or access tracks into the woodland from the public road system. Track construction would therefore be required prior to harvesting.

Methodology

Policy and Guidance

13.11 The conduct of forest operations, including the planting and removal of trees is governed through legislation, policy and guidance. Forestry in Scotland, public and private, is administered by the Forestry Commission Scotland1 who, in conjunction with the forest industry, make available guidance and standards2 including the UK Forestry Standard, 20043. The guidance and standards are designed to comply with a wide range of legislation, for example The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1995 (as amended), The Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 and The Water Resources Act 1991 etc. Of particular relevance to forestry operations at Penmanshiel are the Forest and Water Guidelines, 2003, Forest and Soil Conservation Guidelines, 1998 and Forest and Nature Conservation Guidelines, 1990.

13.12 Woodland removal and the felling of trees for development (under planning) such as that proposed at Penmanshiel is outwith the scope of the 1967 Forestry Act, and is felling licence exempt4. The control of woodland removal is in this case a matter for the planning system. Policy on woodland removal is specifically mentioned in paragraph 148 of the Scottish Government’s Scottish Planning Policy 20105 which refers directly to The Scottish Government’s Policy on the ‘Control of Woodland Removal6’ which is published by the Forestry Commission. The process of planning and the requirement for an EIA in respect of the proposed development also mitigates the need for a specific deforestation EIA; note however that this forest chapter has been produced with reference to the Forestry Commissions publication Environmental Impact Assessments of Forestry Projects, 2009 and covers the headings found within this document.

13.13 The Scottish Borders Woodland Strategy, 2005 outlines under strategic themes several policy objectives and actions. These themes, objectives and actions include the expansion and

1 Forestry Act 1967 (as amended) 2Forestry Commission http://www.forestry.gov.uk/website/publications.nsf/$$Search?OpenForm&NoSearch 3 Forestry Commission http://www.forestry.gov.uk/pdf/fcfc001.pdf/$FILE/fcfc001.pdf 4Forestry Commission http://www.forestry.gov.uk/website/forestry.nsf/byunique/infd-5zgn3a 5 http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/300760/0093908.pdf 6 http://www.forestry.gov.uk/pdf/fcfc125.pdf/$FILE/fcfc125.pdf


Volume 2: Main Report 13-2 Chapter 13: Forestry

diversification of woodland. Consideration of these objectives and those of Scottish Planning Policy are reflected in this chapter with recommendations made on proposed compensatory planting.

Scoping

13.14 Of the several scoping opinions issued from consulted parties a few related directly to the removal of the Penmanshiel Moor Forest.

13.15 Scottish Borders Council (SBC) noted that ‘Although production conifer forests (Penmanshiel plantation) are often ascribed low values in terms of biodiversity and visual amenity, these values rise as the forest mature and diversify’. This point is considered in depth within the baseline assessment (see paragraphs 13.57 to 13.62). In addition SBC requested surveys for habitats and distinct protected species (see Chapter 8: Ecology), but nothing directly related to the plantation or forest ecology, which is also covered within this chapter. There is an expectation from SBC that compensatory planting will occur and that this should be used to expand particular forest habitat networks. Compensatory planting is considered in paragraphs 13.101 to 13.103.

13.16 The Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) made no specific or direct reference to the environmental effects of deforestation, forest road construction, harvesting or forest carbon balances, although reference is made to the effects of construction on soils and peat carbon balances. Issues relating to impacts and mitigation of deforestation, forest road construction and harvesting activities are considered within this chapter (see paragraph 13.74 to 13.89).

13.17 Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) request that methods should be outlined, proposing how the ground will be cleared and how the resulting timber will be disposed of. They also note that the assessment should include proposals for how the land will be managed post-construction to improve its nature conservation value, including giving consideration to the restoration of dry heath habitats.

13.18 The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) made comment on investigating the potential effects of the development on neighbouring woodland (Pease Bridge Glen) and establishing a felling schedule which ‘avoids the bird breeding season’. The former is dealt with directly in this chapter while the latter is an operational mater dealt with indirectly with reference to forest operational standards and guidance.

Desk Study

13.19 Forests and woodlands are dynamic and develop through time. The pace of this development is influenced by management operations, which are governed by economics, rules and standards. The following information was therefore gathered:

• Forest maps, showing the location of compartments, buildings tracks, watercourses, protected areas, terrain, boundaries, soils and geology etc;

• Crop inventories and other management information; • Expired and existing grant schemes; • Current regulations, standards and policies; • Details of the wind farm development, including details in respect of construction, operation and

the decommissioning process; • Research notes as applicable for example Heal K. V., et al (2004) New data for water losses from

mature Sitka spruce plantations in temperate upland catchments, Hydrological Sciences Journal, Rogers L., Manwell J. F., and Ellis A. F. (2005) Wind Shear over Forested Areas, American Institute of Aeronautics; and Astronautics and Gill R., (2000) The impact of deer on woodland biodiversity. Forestry Commission;

• Ecological and conservation interests; and • Public usage and landscape. With information gathered through field observation and in

accordance with landscape principles and assessments7.

Field survey Methods

13.20 Several field surveys were undertaken during the second week May 2011 to confirm received documentary information and collect additional information as appropriate. No detailed forest survey work was undertaken, since the observations accorded with the documentary information. The field surveys consisted of observation and note taking with specific reference to each forest environmental service. Information was collected following Scottish Agricultural College’s standard site evaluation aide memoir.

13.21 Resource services surveys consisted of an evaluation of timber quality, quantity and size. Where measurement was required this conforms to normal forest mensuration practice8. Consideration was made to the quality of access for forest operations including deer stalking.

13.22 Ecological, Amenity and Social services surveys were by observation of habitats, species, public usage, landscape and ease of access.

13.23 Biospheric services surveys consisted of general observation of tree stands in order to confirm volume assessment, soil conditions, exposure and tree stability.

13.24 The process was based on a combination of object measurement, standard forestry field surveying and professional judgement.

Assessment Methodology

13.25 From the collected information and in the absence of a forest management plan an assumption as to the baseline state of the forest at Penmanshiel was made. This considered the development of the forest as a commercial enterprise within the requirements of current forestry standards. Predictions were made (using standard tables and tools9) as to timing of forestry operations, the volumes of timber produced, harvesting frequency and the future structure of the woodland.

13.26 Using this information, an assessment is made of the condition of the forest resource against each of the following environmental service:

• Resource services: these comprise consumable but renewable resources and products such as timber, fuel wood, fruits, plants and animals. By nature these services have low embedded carbon content or are carbon neutral10, however their loss may result in the use of substitute goods with higher imbedded carbon content or possible adverse environmental effects in the forest area from which they originate, if low environmental standards apply.

• Ecological services: these are composed of the beneficial contributions forests make in stabilising soils, protecting watersheds and habitats. Removal of woodland may increase soil erosion and increase peak flood loads. Woodland provides shade and shelter for a range of flora and fauna, which are unable to thrive in the open environment.

7 Anon (2002) Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment, 2nd Edt. The Landscape Institute. 8 Matthews R. W., and Mackie E. D., (2006) Forest Mensuration. A handbook for practitioners. Forestry Commission. 9 Rollinson T. J. D. (1988) Thinning Control Field Book 2 Forestry Commission & Matthews R. W., and Mackie E. D., (2006)

Forest Mensuration. A handbook for practitioners . Forestry Commission. 10 Their production is cyclic with replacement new growth sequestrating emissions from harvesting



• Amenity services: these comprise the positive feelings people enjoy when viewing or visiting woodland and they may be sensory or imaginary. Forests may have historical associations or be of significance in the landscape. Forests can have strong cultural and spiritual links with particular groups within society.

• Social services: these are mainly composed of leisure and sporting activities, for example, horse riding, mountain biking, orienteering, nature and educational study and shooting sports. They are activities that can involve one or more people. Their value is not directly related to use or numbers but to the quality of the experience.

• Biospheric services: these comprise services that protect and enhance our environment, for instance the ability of forests and woodland to affect climate by either sequestrating or releasing Greenhouse gases (GHG). Carbon calculation figures were derived using the Forestry Commissions ‘Lookup table’11. The tables provide estimates of woodland carbon sequestration and biomass given a set of assumptions12. Under conventions an allowance for accuracy and risk is made; this is for the purpose of identifying worst-case scenarios for carbon sequestration claims as they relate to afforestation and management projects. The accuracy and risk conventions were not used in the case of this deforestation for development as this was the worst-case scenario.

13.27 The site is valued in terms of each of these environmental resources, on the basis of professional judgement informed by collected information. Consideration is given to the quality and quantity of the environment resource within the context of the descriptions given in Table 13.1, which provides an indicative framework for valuation.

Table 13.1: Sensitivity and/or importance of the Site in terms of the Environmental Resources that it provides.

Sensitivity Description

Very high • Forests or woodlands which provide a significant national resource in the shape of industrial wood, fuel wood and/or non-timber products.

• Forests and woodlands of international conservation importance and/or forests and woodlands which contain species of flora and/or fauna of international importance. Forests and woodlands which protect soils or watersheds on which a nation’s interest depends.

• Internationally significant historically and culturally important forests and forests and woodlands which form all or part of landscapes of international importance.

• Forests and woodlands which form an internationally significant recreational resource.

• Forests or woodlands which sequestrate or contain significant quantities of greenhouse gases and/or which have internationally important biodiversity.

High • Forests or woodlands which provide significant regional resources in the shape of industrial wood, fuel wood and/or non-timber products.

• Forests and woodlands of national conservation importance and/or forests woodlands which contain species of flora and/or fauna of national importance. Also forests and woodlands which protect soils or watersheds which are of regional interest.

• Historically and culturally important forests and woodlands of national significance and forests and woodlands which are part of, or form landscapes of national importance.

• Forests and woodlands which are a nationally significant recreational resource. • Forest or woodlands which sequestrate and or contain large quantities of

greenhouse gases and or which contain nationally important biodiversity.

11 http://www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/INFD-8jue9t 12 Details on how the tables are constructed and are used is available from http://www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/INFD-8jue9t

Sensitivity Description

Medium • Forests or woodlands which provide important local resources in the shape industrial wood, fuel wood and/or non-timber products.

• Forests and woodlands of regional conservation importance and/or forests woodlands which contain species of flora and/or fauna of regional importance. And forests and woodlands which protect soils or watersheds on which small populations depend

• Regionally significant historically and culturally important forests and woodlands and/or forests and woodlands which are or form landscapes of local importance.

• Forests and woodlands which are a regionally significant recreational resource. • Forest or woodlands which sequestrate and or contain modest quantities of

greenhouse gases and or regionally important biodiversity

Low • Forests or woodlands which provide modest local resources in the shape of industrial wood, fuel wood and/or non-timber products.

• Forests and woodlands of local conservation importance and/or forests and woodlands which contain species of flora and/or fauna of local importance. Also forests and woodlands which protect soils or watersheds of limited importance.

• Forest or woodlands of limited local historical and or cultural interest and woodlands and/or forests which are not significant in the landscape.

• Forests and woodlands which are of limited local significance as a recreational resource.

• Forest or woodlands which sequestrate and or contain small quantities of greenhouse gases and or which have limited biodiversity interest.

Very Low • Forests or woodlands which provide little or no local resources in the shape of industrial wood, fuel wood and/or non-timber products.

• Forests and woodlands of very limited conservation importance and/or forests and woodlands which contain species of flora and/or fauna which are common and abundant. Also forests and woodlands which do not materially protect soils or watersheds.

• Forest or woodlands of very limited historical and or cultural interest and woodlands and forests which are not significant in the landscape.

• Forests and woodlands which are of very limited significance as a recreational resource.

• Forest or woodlands which sequestrate and/or contain small quantities of greenhouse gases and or which have very limited biodiversity interest.

Magnitude of Impacts

13.28 The proposed de-forestation has an impact on the environmental services provided by the forest. An assessment of the magnitude of these impacts is made in accordance with the scale presented in Table 13.2.

Table 13.2: Magnitude analysis

Magnitude Description

Very high The loss of any forest or woodland which will make untenable the ability to deliver the entire spectrum of forest environmental services or the loss of any internationally significant forest service.

High The loss of forest or woodland that will make untenable the delivery of significant parts of the spectrum of forest environmental services or the loss of any nationally significant forest service.

Medium The loss of forest or woodland which will severely impact on the ability to deliver the entire spectrum of forest environmental services, or the loss of any regionally significant forest service.

Low The loss of forest or woodland which will limit the ability to deliver parts of the spectrum of forest environmental services or, the loss of a locally significant forest service.

Very low The loss of forest or woodland that will have limited significance on the ability to deliver forest environmental services, or the reduction of a locally important forest service.



Significance of Effects

13.29 The magnitude of the impact is combined with the sensitivity of environmental services provided in order to determine the significance of the impact. Table 13.3 presents a matrix for determining significance.

13.30 Impacts which are Very Substantial or Substantial (highlighted in Table 13.3) are deemed to be significant in EIA terms.

Table 13.3: Evaluation of Effects Matrix

Magnitude Sensitivity

Very high High Medium Low Very low

Very high Very Substantial

Substantial Substantial Moderate Minor

High Substantial Substantial Moderate Minor Minor

Medium Substantial Moderate Moderate Minor Negligible

Low Moderate Minor Minor Negligible Negligible

Very low Minor Minor Negligible Negligible Negligible

Baseline Information

13.31 Penmanshiel Moor Forest consists of a densely planted 23 year old commercial plantation of Sitka Spruce (Picea sitchensis) (SS) interspersed with small areas of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) (SP) and European larch (Larix decidua) (EL). SS is a commonly planted commercial tree, while the other two species, although of commercial use, are often planted to provide visual and ecological diversity. In addition there are small areas of both Lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta var. latifolia) (LP) and Corsican pine (Pinus nigra spp) (CP). Neither species are commercially tenable on this site.

13.32 For conservation and landscaping reasons, areas of broadleaved trees have been retained and planted. Areas of open ground extend through the woodland and consist of rides for access, buffer zones for watercourses and open areas, which were presumably located for landscaping and deer control.

13.33 In addition to this woodland several other areas of trees lie within 500 m of the proposed turbine locations. These are:

• Penmanshiel Moss, an area of predominately SS and LP, extending to around 13.8 ha. The woodland is planted on wet bog and is a mix of natural regeneration, non-productive broadleaved trees and conifers of relatively poor timber quality;

• Lady’s Folly shelterbelt consists of a mix of LP and SS and extends to around 1.6 ha. This wood is also of indifferent timber quality with areas of dead and dying pine. This woodland was planted to provide shelter to farm stock;

• Winding Burn plantation comprises semi-natural broadleaved planting consisting of the following tree species; ash (Fraxinus excelsior), beech (Fagus sylvatica), rowan (Sorbus aucuparia) and sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus). These trees are young, less than 2 m tall and predominantly located within the steeply incised riparian valley of the Winding Burn. It is unlikely that these trees would contravene the criteria for efficient turbine operation during the 25 years of the wind farm and, as such, they will not be felled; and

• Gowel Hill shelterbelt covers 3 ha and consists mainly of Sitka spruce, with Scots pine and European larch. The spruce has been planted on two distinct occasions. The older trees (including the larch and pine) are around 20 m in height and cover 1.2 ha, while the younger area of predominantly spruce trees of around 4 m in height covers 1.8 ha. This woodland was clearly planted to provide shelter to farm stock. This lies outside the site boundary and will not be felled as it belongs to an adjacent landowner.

13.34 Table 13.4 provides a breakdown of species type by area and includes areas of open ground. Figure 13.1 identifies the areas that are proposed to be felled.

Table 13.4: Distribution of woodland types as at 2011

Description Remarks Area (ha)* Area %

Penmanshiel Moor Forest

Yield Class (YC)13 16 101.98 54%

Yield Class 14 40.55 21%


Sitka spruce


Yield Class 10 0.22 0% Scots Pine Yield Class 8 12.51 7%

Yield Class 12 4.18 2% European Larch Yield Class 10 0.07 0%

Other pines Yield Class 8 (mix of LP & CP) 1.00 0.5%

Broadleaves Yield Class 4 6.88 3.5%

Open ground Open space & tracks 18.12 10%

Sub-Total Penmanshiel Moor Forest 188.70 100%

Penmanshiel Moss

Mixed Conifer Yield Class not known (SS & LP) 13.8 100%

Lady’s Folly Shelter Belt

Mixed conifers (SS, SP,EL)

Yield Class not known 1.6 100%

Total Area to be de-forested 204.1

* These areas are estimates based on information supplied by Scottish Woodland Ltd & Scottish Agricultural College site survey

13.35 Forests and woodlands are dynamic; they deliver multiple environmental services, which can be expected to become more complex through time. For this reason the baseline assessment of Penmanshiel needs to take into account those services which it would have come to provide in the absence of the current development proposals and changes as a result of the proposed Penmanshiel wind farm need to be assessed against this baseline.

13.36 Currently there is no forest management plan in place for Penmanshiel, or any of the outlying blocks, and in the absence of any such plan the following assumptions are made:

• the woodland would be managed typically as a commercial venture and in accordance with current forestry industry standards; and

13 Description of Yield Class is found in Rollinson T J D (1988) Thinning Control Forestry Commission Field Book 2 HMSO



• shelterbelts remain unmanaged and either eventually acquire semi-natural characteristics or are subject to windthrow and clearance, usually to be replaced by native or amenity tree planting.

13.37 The following baseline assessment is therefore a description of the forest environmental (ecological system) services delivered by the woodland in the absence of the proposed development and taking into account the assumptions outlined in paragraph 13.36.

Resource Services

Industrial wood 13.38 The area of productive forest on Penmanshiel Moor extends to approximately 188.7 ha (species mix

outlined in Table 13.4). The woodland is predominately SS (77%) of which 54% is YC 16 and is above average in productivity for Scotland. The remainder of the woodland consists of lower yielding coniferous and broadleaved trees. Areas of open ground are retained for access and conservation purposes.

13.39 In addition to the main Penmanshiel woodland block, there are several smaller areas of woodland which contain productive conifers and will be affected by the development. These are Penmanshiel Moss and Lady’s Folly shelterbelt. These are of little commercial value due to their small size, access difficulties and ground bearing capacity, as well as the nature and quality of the timber. With the exception of Penmanshiel Moss, it is likely that these areas would probably receive little future active management.

13.40 Penmanshiel Moor Forest was planted in the late 1980s. Some of the other woodlands in the outlying blocks are younger, probably planted in the late 1990s. No thinning has been undertaken since planting and all the woodlands are now at ‘thicket stage’ the trees forming a dense impenetrable mass.

13.41 Current forest practice would be to manage this commercial woodland on a clear fell silvicultural system. Trees are grown until they reach an economical size at which point they are felled. For woodland where the risk of windthrow14 is low, or moderately low, thinning is usually undertaken. Thinning is the removal of selected trees in order to promote growth and volume on the remaining trees. It also provides an interim income.

13.42 The woodlands in and around Penmanshiel would normally be thinned every 5 to 7 years up to the time of final felling. The application of the UK Forest Standard would mean that not all the woodland would be felled at once. Felling would normally take place as a phased process, with a gap of between five to seven years between adjacent felling. This would have the intended consequence of breaking down the current even age structure.

13.43 If the clear felling process at Penmanshiel started 40 years after planting it could be expected to be complete within 20 to 25 years. This process would create a more structured and diverse forest, with tree age ranges from 1 to 65 years. Penmanshiel could be expected, by 2053, to consist by area of the following:

• 65% mixed commercial conifers (spruces, larches & pines); • 20% open ground (unplanted land including roads, rides and clearings); • 10% native broadleaf trees; and • 5% retention of old trees (trees of any species and size).

14 The physical upturning of trees caused by high wind speeds, exposure and poor soils being factors

13.44 The development of the above structure, and the environmental services it could be expected to provide at this time, form the baseline.

13.45 The woodlands are now at a stage were thinning could begin. Where the risk of windthrow is high, thinning may not take place, with trees being clear felled at a critical threshold height. The risk of windthrow across Penmanshiel varies with exposure and soil type. Wind-throw hazard classifications range across the site from three to four (six being the highest) indicating a moderate risk; thinning is therefore assumed for this baseline.

13.46 With a thinning cycle starting 25 years after planting and assuming a mean age of 50 years for all crops at clear fell; Penmanshiel could yield between 88,000 to 100,000 cubic metres (m³) of timber or around 80,000 to 92,000 tonnes (t) at first rotation.

13.47 Harvesting would occur periodically every 5 years or so, with the greatest volumes being removed at clear fell. Thinning yields would remove approximately 8,000 m³ every 5 years and clear felling around 62,000 m³ in total when trees reach their rotation age.

13.48 The loss of all future timber resources through early felling at Penmanshiel is estimated to account for around 0.04 % of average annual domestic supply of timber resource. Given this and the ability of the nation to source alternative timber resources, the sensitivity of the forest plantation is considered low for timber.

Deer (production) 13.49 Penmanshiel offers good habitat for deer, in particular Roe deer. Deer numbers are unknown but

numbers could be expected to range between 10 to 15 animals per square kilometre15. Figures from the Deer Commission show an average cull figure of around 20 animals per year16. This figure indicates a moderately high density of deer and with the expected development of the forest structure, cull figures would be expected to remain in the high teens for the period of first rotation. Locally however, the forest plantation represents a resource service of low sensitivity for deer stalking because of the relatively high populations of roe deer within the area and their adaptability17.

Ecological Services

Water 13.50 Several watercourses pass through the plantation at Penmanshiel and are described in detail in

Chapter 11: Geology, Hydrology and Hydrogeology.

13.51 The presence of the woodland tends to have a drying effect on soils and can reduce levels of run off and mean stream flows. Woodlands therefore tend to reduce overall water yields and may lower the risk of flooding through attenuation. The imposed forest drainage patterns which would have complied with forest standards are not expected to have compromised water quality with drain gradients and silt traps designed to reduce siltation. Spruce forests, such as that at Penmanshiel, have been shown in various studies18 to reduce water yields. At the proposed Penmanshiel wind farm site it has been shown that peak flows in surrounding watercourses may increase by approximately 6 % due to the removal of trees (Chapter 11: Geology, Hydrology and Hydrogeology paragraphs 11.75 to

15 Estimated based on professional experience and DCS figures 16 Jamie Hammond SNH (2011) Deer Culls in the borders, (Personal communication Jul 11) 17 Prior R. (2000) Roe Deer. Management and Stalking. Swan Hill Press 18 K. V. Heal et al New data for water losses from mature Sitka spruce plantations in temperate upland catchments



11.81 and Table 11.9). However, the overall change in water yields is not expected to be significant in a catchment context.

13.52 In comparison with agriculture, forests require very little to no input from the use of herbicides, pesticides and fertilisers. The risk of point source or diffuse chemical pollution is therefore much lower. At Penmanshiel, prior to clear felling, there is expected to be no use of herbicides, pesticides and fertilisers. After felling there may be a requirement to apply pesticides to control weevils, though this is usually confined to the individual trees and has minimal impact on surrounding land. Ground preparation methods such as mounding or scarifying usually negate the need for herbicide use. Input of foliage and dead wood from the previous tree crops and the soil types at Penmanshiel suggest that there would be no requirement for fertiliser applications.

13.53 While forest harvesting, ground preparation and drainage operations can result in an increase in the risk of run off and sedimentation, the application of forest standards and Forest Water Guidelines (see Chapter 11: Geology, Hydrology and Hydrogeology) would be expected to mitigate this.

13.54 Changes to Penmanshiel and outlying woodland blocks assumed under likely forest management practices would result in a low increase in water yield with possible periodic, temporary limited local impacts on water quality as a result of felling and replanting operations. These are not expected to have a significant impact on local or regional water supply and the sensitivity of this resource is therefore low.

Soil 13.55 The woodland is planted on soils derived from the Ettrick soils series. These soils comprise mostly

peaty podzols, peaty gleys and peats with some areas of brown earths and non-calcareous gleys.

13.56 Forest ground preparation methods are designed to alter soil structures, chemistry and biology in order to allow the successful establishment of trees. Wetter soils such as the peat and peaty gleys at Penmanshiel tend to become dryer, aerobic and more fertile. Although aerobic conditions can lead to the production of greenhouse gases (GHGs), this tends to be compensated by the accumulation of biomass, leaf litter and dead wood.

13.57 These changes would bring soils closer to their natural forest condition than that of the moorland previously found on the site. Although little detail is available at Penmanshiel, it could be assumed that the development of the forest under the likely management regime19 (with operations designed to minimize soils disturbance and with greater accumulation of litter and brash) would have little major effect on soils and that sensitivity to any changes is low.

Habitat and Protected Species

13.58 Currently the woodland at Penmanshiel offers limited biodiversity interest (see Chapter 8: Ecology). Although it is unlikely that the commercial coniferous wood would ever become a significant biodiversity resource, some improvements can be predicted as a result of processes such as:

• Windthrow, which results in the premature or partial removal of trees. Trees may also become suppressed and shaded by competing trees and die as standing timber. These processes allow light to penetrate deeper into the forest canopy, while overturned trees expose soils, which can then be colonised by a variety of flora and fauna. The windthrow and dead trees increase the quantity of dead wood available to both insects and fungi and as a consequence those animals which depend on them, including wood wasps (Urocerus gigas), fungi such as Yellow stagshorn fungus (Calocera viscosa) and birds such as woodpeckers (Dendrocopos spp).

19 Anon (1988) Forest and soil Conservation Guidelines. Forestry Commission.

• Thinning, which will allow greater light levels to reach the forest floor, enabling the establishment of naturally occurring plants, trees and shrubs. Modern felling practices preserve, where possible, standing dead wood and other non-timber tree species, such as broadleaves which have become established within plantations. These trees act as a seed source and provide greater diversity.

• Re-stocking. Penmanshiel would be expected to remain predominantly a commercial SS plantation and the majority of restocking would consist of SS. However, in order to comply with current Forest Standards the introduction of other conifers such as EL, SP and Norway spruce (Picea abies) would be required. In addition, natural regeneration of spruces, birches (Betula spp) and rowans (Sorbus spp) which normally occurs after felling will add both species and structural diversity. Currently broadleaved trees occupy around 3.5% of site. With restructuring this would increase to nearer 10%. Species chosen for planting would normally be native and related to the National Vegetation Classification for that type of site and climate. The addition of these trees would increase the conservation value of the site, particularly along the margins of watercourses.

• Open space is expected to increase from the current 10% of the plantation to around 20% over the first crop rotation, although some of this expansion will include roads. The area of dry dwarf heath and marshy grass habitat is expected to expand into these areas.

13.59 The forest plantation at Penmanshiel currently has a low ecological services sensitivity. Despite the factors noted in paragraph 13.58, it is considered unlikely that the ecological services sensitivity of the site would increase from this level by the end of the first rotation.

Amenity services

Landscape

13.60 The potential landscape impacts of de-forestation are considered in Chapter 7: Landscape and Visual.

Cultural Heritage

13.61 The potential archaeological and cultural heritage impacts of de-forestation are considered in Chapter 10: Cultural heritage and Archaeology.

13.62 In view of the above amenity services are not considered further in this assessment.

Social Services

13.63 Penmanshiel currently offers little in the way of social services. The site is not easily accessed and is not well roaded. There is no evidence of frequent visits by the public for recreational purposes.

13.64 The development of access for timber harvesting would increase public access, but its location, being away from the centres of major population suggest it would be unlikely to provide any major social service resource.

13.65 Recreational stalking is currently undertaken on lease. Although deer numbers are expected to be moderately high, the nature of the woodland makes the current quality of the stalking low, although activities such as thinning, harvesting, restructuring and restocking would improve the quality of the stalking considerably.

13.66 The forest plantation, in a local resource context, can be seen as having low social services sensitivity.



Biospheric Services

Climate 13.67 Woodlands provide a sink for GHGs20 and in particular carbon dioxide (CO2). Trees convert CO2 into

complex carbohydrates which are components of wood and other biomass. The natural process of growth and death or felling and replanting in managed forests cause peaks and troughs in this rate of sequestration and storage of carbon. On permanently wooded sites these peaks and troughs even out and an equilibrium of carbon sequestration can be approximated.

13.68 The amount of carbon accumulated depends on many factors, but key influences in addition to the amount of tree cover, are rate of growth, size potential and longevity of the trees on site. These factors are species-specific and site dependant. Management is also a critical factor, since inappropriate management can cause woodland decline releasing CO2 into the atmosphere.

13.69 Under the expected baseline management regime, and using species-weighted yield-prediction and lookup tables21 it is estimated that the woodland at Penmanshiel would sequestrate approximately 44,000 tonnes of Carbon Dioxide (t CO2) over a 50 year rotation period (see Appendix 13.1 for detailed calculations). In effect this is the lost potential future sequestration once the forest is felled.

13.70 Emissions from the clear felling (for the wind farm development) are estimated to be around 56,000 tonnes of CO2 (see Appendix 13.1 for calculations). These emissions will occur as the cumulative biomass in roots, stumps, branch wood and wood products decay. The differential rate of decay of the roots, stumps, branch wood and wood products (pulp to paper) is not known, but brash (branch wood) and paper products are likely to have a shorter life expectancy (5 years or less) than the stump or root component, which could feasibly take decades to decay. However, for the purposes of this assessment, it has been assumed that the full amount of CO2 will be lost during the life of the wind farm, which is a highly precautionary approach and should be regarded as the worst case scenario.

13.71 The reversion of land from forestry to agriculture (rough grazing) could result in the production of additional GHGs CO2, CH4 and N2O. These emissions are directly related to stock, assumed sheep, production and could be in the region of 7.4 kg CO2 eq per Kg of live weight sold off farm22. However such grazing would probably be an extension of an existing farm enterprise and is unlikely to be significant.

13.72 The Borders region, Scotland and the UK have below average European forest cover. Around 76% of the Borders forest area consists of spruce plantations and most of these are established in exposed locations. The location and nature of this type of forestry mean that rotations are necessarily shorter than equivalent broadleaf or conifer rotations elsewhere in Europe. The length of rotation, particularly under clear fell silvicultural systems has a significant effect on carbon sequestration. The loss of the biospheric resource at Penmanshiel can be considered as having a higher significance in a Scottish context than might otherwise be the case in a more afforested European environment.

13.73 The forest plantation is considered to have a medium biospheric services sensitivity.

20 Combating Climate Change - A Role For UK Forests: Main Report An Assessment of The Potential of The UK's Trees and

Woodlands to Mitigate and Adapt to Climate Change 21 Carbon look up tables http://www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/INFD-864G2R 22 Anon (2009) Estimating greenhouse gas emissions from Scottish Livestock enterprises, 2009 production cycle, A discussion

paper. Quality Meat Scotland.

Predicted Effects of the Scheme

13.74 The proposed wind farm will result in the removal of approximately 204 ha of forestry, requiring an extended harvesting operation, which is expected to result in 1,600 machine hours with an operational duration of around 500 to 700 hours, (10 weeks to 14 weeks), weather allowing.

13.75 The harvesting is expected to yield approximately 18,000 tonnes of timber, and will result in around 900 one-way heavy goods vehicle (HGV) movements (the predicted impact of these HGV movements is assessed in Chapter 15: Access, Traffic and Transport). This compares with HGV movements over an expected rotation of a maximum of 263 during thinning cycles and 510 HGV movements in one year when clear felling and a total of 3,290 movements over 35 years.

13.76 Site restoration proposals (see Chapter 8: Ecology) will require the raking and chipping of brash mats left by the harvesting operations as well as some disposal of brash offsite. The chipping operations are expected to have an operational duration of around 270 hours.

13.77 The process will remove all the forest environmental services and the potential impact of this is discussed below.

Resource Services Impact

13.78 Penmanshiel was planted to produce a supply of industrial wood. Early felling of the wood may result in 18,000 m³ of timber for the pulp and chip market, rather than a mix of saw logs, pallet logs, (80 - 90% of the crop), chip and pulp (10-20% of the crop) predicted under normal management. The removal of this supply will have a number of environmental impacts. Demand for timber within the UK outstrips domestic supply; the loss of ‘home’ production might be displaced abroad. Alternatively this loss could be made up through an increase in intensity of felling elsewhere in the UK. Where this supply is sourced from well managed plantations or natural forests within industrial European nations, with similar environmental standards to the UK, the magnitude of this impact would be low.

13.79 The removal of woodland at Penmanshiel is equivalent to the loss of 0.2% of Borders forest cover, which at around 19% of the land area is around the average for Scotland, but is less than the target of 25% set by the Scottish Forest Strategy23. The magnitude of the loss of forest cover must be considered against the already low forest cover in this area, which raises the magnitude from low to medium.

13.80 Deer cull figures indicate a moderately high productive capacity. The removal of woodland will cause a displacement of deer populations and cull figures are expected to drop. However given the small numbers of deer shot over this location the magnitude of the impact is expected to be very low.

13.81 The overall Resource Services sensitivity is low and the maximum magnitude of impact is predicted to be medium. As a result, the loss of resource services at Penmanshiel is predicted to potentially have minor adverse impact which is not significant.

Ecological Services Impact

13.82 The removal of trees is expected to have an impact on the quantity of water running off the site. Some localised and short term impacts may also occur on water quality. Large scale harvesting operations will cause temporary and local damage to soils and adversely affect water quality, but adherence to forest standards and water guidelines will minimise risks (see Chapter 11: Geology,

23 Anon (2006) Scottish Forestry Strategy, The Forestry Commission.


Hydrology and Hydrogeology). It is considered that these events will therefore have a low magnitude effect overall.

13.83 Removal of trees will have an impact on species, notably roe deer which will be displaced. However, mitigation is proposed to address potential impacts upon valued ecological receptors and legally protected species (see Chapter 8: Ecology), with the result that the magnitude of the impact upon these receptors is predicted to be low. Taking into account the potential increase in biodiversity value over time, and outlined in the baseline section of this chapter, it is predicted that this magnitude of effect could increase to medium.

13.84 Disturbance to soil will be caused by activities such as heavy traffic associated with harvesting activities and the construction of tracks (estimated to be 6 km within the forest). This has the potential to cause both disturbance to the soil and limited compaction with the result that the magnitude of the impact upon soils is predicted to be low.

13.85 The overall Ecological Resources sensitivity is low and the maximum magnitude of impact is predicted to be low. As a result, the loss of ecological services at Penmanshiel is predicted to have a negligible impact, which is not significant.

Social Services Impact

13.86 The woodland currently provides limited social services and its relative remoteness and limited access suggest that the magnitude of its loss would be very low under expected and likely management scenarios.

13.87 The loss of social services at Penmanshiel is considered to be negligible and not significant.

Biospheric Services Impact

13.88 Woodlands contain a significant carbon content compared with other land uses. Trees also sequestrate CO2 irrespective of power demand. Under the baseline scenario Penmanshiel would sequestrate considerably more carbon than the land under the proposed wind farm development. The wind farm development would cause a loss of local forest carbon sequestration capacity and deforestation and land change to agriculture would increase emissions. The low forest cover regionally, and nationally, makes the loss of this service proportionally greater and more acute. The magnitude of the impact upon biospheric services oils is predicted to be medium.

13.89 The overall biospheric services sensitivity is medium which, combined with the medium magnitude of impact, means that the loss of biospheric services at Penmanshiel is considered as potentially having a moderate adverse impact, but is not significant.

Mitigation, Enhancement and Compensation Measures

Resource services mitigation

13.90 The loss of a renewable resource service (timber) can be mitigated by either substitution or drop in demand. It is unlikely that demand for timber products will drop, or that a comparable renewable product will replace it. Therefore direct substitution is the only feasible option. This can be achieved by either replanting a comparable productive crop elsewhere or by establishing a substitute resource.

Ecological services mitigation

13.91 The woodland will be felled using a Shortwood system, harvest and forwarder combination. Harvesters will cut, sned (de-branch) timber, cutting it to length and placing the cut timber (product) in rows either side of the brash mat. Branches, needles, undersized product, dead wood and tree tops will form the brash mat, creating a surface over which both harvesters and forwarders can move. Forwarders will collect product and extract this to roadside, where it will be collected by heavy goods vehicles and conveyed from site. The brash mat is design to provide protection to soils, reducing the risk of rutting, liquefaction, compaction and erosion. Where soils are particularly sensitive or wet, tracked harvesters and forwarders fitted with band tracks will be used.

13.92 Harvesting operations will accord with current best environmental practice, following appropriate forest, water, soil and conservation guidelines.

13.93 After felling the site will remain partially covered in brash. Several options are available and include leaving in place, redistributing, burning, chipping or bailing and removing the brash mat.

13.94 Leaving the brash in place will inhibit the establishment of native vegetation. Operations to move or remove the brash run the risk of soil damage and must be carefully controlled. Brash removal will potentially reduce the levels of carbon sequestrated to soils. Redistribution of brash may assist in the establishment of native vegetation but will increase site fertility, which is not desirable for the establishment of native moorland vegetation. Burning brash may cause a nuisance (smoke) and soils may suffer from water repellence. Chipping brash may exacerbate nutrient leaching and acidification. Removing brash from site will provide the best conditions for moorland vegetation establishment by reducing physical obstructions and soil fertility.

13.95 Brash removal has potential environmental impacts; the operation runs the risk of soil damage through rutting, liquefaction, compaction and erosion, though this can be mitigated by working from brash mats and the use of forest machinery in appropriate weather conditions.

13.96 Potential impacts on run-off and water quality can be mitigated by rapid establishment of vegetation following clear felling. This will also protect soils and can be encouraged by chipping of brash mats and the preparation of the ground before sowing. Establishment may also be helped by the introduction of domestic stock to graze tree regeneration, which may hinder heath regeneration, although care will be required to ensure that this is not too soon following sowing. The use of herbicides is to be discouraged as a method of tree regeneration control since it increases the risk of diffuse pollution.

13.97 Potential damage to soils can be mitigated by:

• Use of brash mats along extraction/harvesting routes; • The fitting of band tracks to machines in difficult working conditions; • Stopping of work in extremely wet weather; • Avoiding watercourses and drains; and • The preservation of vegetation close to watercourses and along rides where possible.

13.98 The planting of mixed coniferous woodland or, ideally, native broadleaved woodland elsewhere, will offer mitigation for lost habitats.

13.99 The displacement of Roe deer from the site caused by the loss of their forest habitat is likely to have an impact on surrounding land uses, including agricultural crops and woodland. In addition population pressures will increase mobility as deer seek new unoccupied territory. This increased mobility risks an increase in road traffic collisions with deer. It is therefore important to reduce deer numbers prior




to, during and after felling. Accordingly deer population assessment and appropriate culling are advised as mitigation measures. Culling should comply with the ‘Best Practice Guidance’ published by Scottish Natural Heritage24.

13.100 SS is a naturalised species and is capable of regenerating prolifically. Birch trees will also regenerate prolifically on felled sites. The control of this regeneration is important if woodland re-establishment is to be prevented. Chemical methods of control may cause issues for diffuse pollution and will damage sensitive flora and fauna. Mechanical means, cutting or the introduction of stock at low density offer the most sensitive mitigation solutions. Selection of the best method of regeneration control should take account of the on-going need to manage the site as set out in the Outline Habitat Management Plan (see Appendix 8.3).

Compensatory Planting

13.101 In line with the Scottish Government’s Policy on woodland removal25, it is recognised that there is a requirement to compensate for woodland that would be felled for the proposed wind farm. Discussions have been held with SBC regarding the nature of potential off-site compensatory planting and the mechanism for securing this. The outcome of these discussions is that it has been agreed, in principle, that SBC will contract with a third party to find suitable areas within East Berwickshire that can be planted, liaise with landowners and carry out the agreed tree planting. RES will provide the funds for this process, which will be secured upon approval for the wind farm via a suitable legal agreement (anticipated to be under section 69 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973). This proposed mechanism will be in line with that proposed in the Forestry Commission guidance to staff for implementing the woodland removal Policy26.

13.102 The felling at Penmanshiel would result in the loss of potentially 44,000 tonnes of t/CO2. The loss of this carbon sink resource can be offset to some extent by using compensatory planting. The most effective plantings in this respect are those directed toward better quality mineral soils, using trees that grow quickly, to large volumes, live longest and which are importantly managed on continuous cover rotation. Forest rotation length is significant and woodlands managed on clearfell rotations are likely to have lower sequestration potential (c.50%) than trees managed under continuous cover or other permanent situations.

13.103 Whilst it is not yet possible to be specific as to the exact make-up of compensatory planting, it is recommended that the planting of multipurpose woodland containing defined areas of native broadleaf trees and mixed conifers offers the best solution. The exact composition will depend on location, soils and climate. However the following principles should be applied in order to obtain the maximum beneficial effect.

• The woodland must be capable of producing timber (broadleaf or conifer) of comparable volume and quality or of lesser volume but greater quality than that it replaces. Trees producing timber should be established at appropriate spacing;

• The woodland must contain tree species of equal or better ecological potential than those they replace. The planting of native species in appropriate mixtures offer the best ecological

24 http://www.bestpracticeguides.org.uk/Default.aspx 25 Forestry Commission Scotland (2009) The Scottish Government’s Policy on Control of Woodland Removal 26 Forestry Commission Scotland (2010) Guidance to Forestry Commission Scotland Staff on Implementing the Scottish

Government’s Policy on control of woodland removal

potential. However the use of a high portion of native and non native mixed conifers could benefit important species such as red squirrel;

• The planting must fit the landscape, in shape, size and scale. This might mean that several woodlands are appropriate rather than just one single planting;

• The planting must be accessible to the public, attaching planting to an existing social resource or near to a centre of population are options;

• The species must be capable of sequestrating similar amounts of CO2 as those they replace. Yield class, spacing and rotation length are important factors.

Assessment of Residual Effects

13.104 The proposed development is expected to have the following residual effects after application of mitigation measures and compensatory planting:

• There will be a reduction of regional timber resource services however the scale of this reduction could be absorbed by a small increase in harvesting intensities within the regions other woodlands. The residual effect would be of insufficient magnitude to have anything other than a minor effect. Compensatory planting of appropriate species would reduce this to a negligible effect.

• The temporary displacement of deer populations, caused by site disturbance would result in a small reduction in this resource but would have a negligible effect.

• The removal of the woodland will have a temporary adverse effect on forest ecological services. The application of appropriate operational guidance in felling and deer control will mean that initial operational adverse residual effects will be minor. Compensatory planting that included native broadleaved trees would produce a beneficial residual effect, particularly where these connected existing habitats and extended along riparian zones.

• The removal of the woodland will have negligible effects on forest social services. However the establishment of planting in accessible locations in accordance with current forest guidance and standards will have a beneficial residual effect, particularly were this is located close to local communities.

• The loss of woodland will result in the loss of sequestration capacity; emissions from deforestation and land use change, the residual effects of which are predicted to be moderate. However the wind farm will assist in emissions reduction and compensatory planting, particularly where this occurs on arable or improved land and is under a continuous cover silvicultural system should compensate for both sequestration losses and agricultural emissions.

Summary and Conclusions

13.105 Penmanshiel consists of an area of plantation forest which, in the absence of the proposed wind farm, would be managed commercially to UK Forest Standards. The application of these standards would produce a reasonably diverse woodland site with a range of habitats by the end of the first rotation, estimated as being between 2028 and 2048.

13.106 The forest will deliver a variety of beneficial environmental services. These services accrue and compound through time. The construction, installation and operation of the proposed wind farm will result in the clearance of approximately 204 ha of forest. The loss of the forest will result in the loss of these environmental services in particular: Resource services, ecological services and biospheric services, the later having the greatest impact being of moderate significance.

Penmanshiel Wind FarmRES


13.107 Resource services comprising consumable but renewable products such as timber, fuel wood and deer. It is predicted that the construction of the wind farm of will result in the loss of between 62,0000 and 74,000 tonnes of timber production during the first rotation of Penmanshiel. Provided this loss is sourced from well managed forests elsewhere in Europe the environmental impact on these resource services caused by development of the proposed wind farm is expected to be low.

13.108 The deer cull from Penmanshiel is modest, less than 20 animals a year. This cull figure is expected to rise in the short term as deer displaced by the felling seek other woodland. There is not expected to be a complete loss in this resource, but some displacement. Deer cull figures could be expected to rise in the short term before returning to normal levels as disturbance ceases and populations settle. The environmental impact on these resource services caused by development of the proposed wind farm is expected to be minor.

13.109 Ecological services are composed of the beneficial contributions forests make in stabilising soils, protecting watersheds and habitats. The process of forest removal will temporarily increase the risk of diffuse pollution and soil erosion. These effects are considered as having a minor impact and can be mitigated by the application of Forest Standards and operational guidance, which would lead to a negligible impact.

13.110 In addition the site is expected to yield a greater quantity of water because trees will no longer intercept precipitation. However, Penmanshiel occupies just 1.6 % of the Eye Water catchment and the increase in water yield is not expected to have anything other than a minor environmental impact

13.111 Penmanshiel provides habitat for a variety of flora and fauna, many of which are relatively common. Some of these species such as badgers are protected. The application of the Forest Standard will result in the diversification of habitat over time, which will result in an extended range of habitats that may be suitable for other species, although site sensitivity is predicted to be no greater than minor. The removal of the forest will result in both the loss of current and future potential habitat. The environmental impact on these ecological services caused by development of the proposed wind farm is expected to be minor.

13.112 Social services are mainly composed of leisure and sporting activities, for example, mountain biking, orienteering and hunting. These are activities that can involve one or more people. Their value is not directly related to use or numbers but to the quality of the experience. Currently the site is only used for recreational deer stalking. Once the forest is felled this activity will no longer take place. However, although the details of future compensatory planting are not yet known, it is likely that leisure and sporting activities will take place in there and as such the impact on social services is expected to be negligible or possibly even beneficial.

13.113 Biospheric services comprise services that protect and enhance our environment. In this instance, the main service relates to the ability of the woodland to affect climate by sequestrating GHGs. The construction of the proposed wind farm will result in the loss of sequestration capacity amounting to around 44,000 tonnes of Carbon Dioxide (t/CO2) over a 50 year rotation period.

13.114 The relatively low forest cover of both the region and Scotland mean that the loss of this forests ability to sequestrate CO2 is more significant than the loss of a similar area elsewhere in Europe. The environmental impact on these biospheric services caused by development of the proposed wind farm is expected to be moderate. However, suitable compensation can be achieved through the planting of higher yielding trees on a smaller area of land or alternatively through the planting of an equivalent area of similarly yielding trees. Rotation lengths have a significant effect on the sequestration capacity of woodland. Trees under continuous cover or physical silvicultural rotations

will sequestrate more CO2 than equivalents under clear fell. Smaller areas of low yielding trees for example native broadleaved woodland under a continuous cover system could equal in sequestration terms a larger area of higher yielding conifers under clear felled such as that at Penmanshiel.

13.115 The adverse effects of forest clearance can be mitigated, through the application of various forest standards and guidelines. Compensatory planting is proposed to offset the loss of woodland at Penmanshiel. The scale and species composition of this compensation planting will be dictated by location, soil and climatic factors. However compensatory planting should be of sufficient scale and composition to at least compensate for the forest environmental services that it replaces.

13.116 On the basis that all the recommended mitigation and compensatory planting is carried out, the proposed wind farm is predicted to have no residual adverse impacts on the forest environment. In addition where appropriate species and locations are used, for example the planting of native woodland, with good access and under a continuous cover silvicultural systems benefits in forest environmental services could be expected to increase.

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THIS DRAWING IS THE PROPERTY OF RENEWABLE ENERGYSYSTEMS LTD. AND NO REPRODUCTION MAY BE MADE IN

WHOLE OR IN PART WITHOUT PERMISSION

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res forestry - penmanshiel wind farm 2...forestry commissions publication environmental impact...

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