Lunchtime 101: Commercial Tree Plantations

Join ERCS to get up to speed on systemic issues in commercial tree planting and hear from campaigners witnessing the impacts on the ground.

How is the commercial planting of invasive non-native tree species affecting communities and nature in Scotland?

Commercial tree planting in Scotland continues to expand supported by regulatory exemptions, tax relief and public funding.

Commercial plantations are far less biodiverse than native woods, often using only one invasive non-native conifer planted densely together. Commercial conifers are now spreading into Scotland’s native woodlands and other ecosystems. Meanwhile, intensive mechanical planting and harvesting of trees, use of chemicals and poor management can degrade soils and waterways, and release carbon from peatlands. Local communities may receive little to no benefit from plantations in their area and are struggling to have their voices heard.

Sign-up for this lunchtime online event here >