RSE - tree planting inquiry evidence - University of Edinburgh 2024

One Ecosystem 3:e27108 We seek to establish the extent to which current practices are delivering these benefits, how far they represent good public value in the short and long term, and what more, if anything, could be done to improve public benefits in tackling the climate-nature crisis and the economic and social well-being of resident communities by tree planting, woodland and commercial forest. [...] (2018; section 3.3) provide a synthesis of the evidence available until February 2016 in their systematic review of the evidence base for the effects of woodland expansion on biodiversity and ecosystem services in the United Kingdom. [...] Do you have evidence on the role tree species choice and composition have in influencing biodiversity, timber production, flood management, and other outcomes? Do the species of trees and the mix of species help, hinder or change the balance of the benefits being sought? [500 words] Response: Sing et al. [...] Unpublished evidence from focus groups with forest/woodland experts and local ommunity groups in and around the northern Great Glen area (Drumnadrochit and Glen Urquhart) and in the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere suggests that much of the forestry workforce for planting are 7 . [...] Are local communities sufficiently involved in the development of tree planting or commercial forestry schemes? [500 words] Response: Unpublished evidence from focus groups with community groups in and around the northern Great Glen area (Drumnadrochit and Glen Urquhart) and in the Galloway and South Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere suggests that consultation processes on new woodland/forestry are insuff.