THE shape and look of Scotland's forests will have to change if they are to escape the worst effects of climate change, according to work commissioned by Forestry Commission Scotland.
A Forest Research report published last week — 'Impacts of climate change on forests and forestry in Scotland' — highlights the role Scotland's forests have to play in the national effort to tackle climate change and outlines steps the forestry secto
r may need to take to lessen the impact of warmer, drier summers and milder, wetter, windier winters.
Visiting the Commission's Northern Research Station at the Bush Estate, Scottish Environment Minister Michael Russell said: "Climate change is not something that is on its way – it is happening already.
"Over the past 40 years there has been a 30 day increase in the growing season, over 20 fewer frost days per year and a 60 per cent increase in winter rainfall.
"Forests and forestry contribute a great deal to our society and they have huge potential for making a significant contribution to lessening the impact of climate change.
"To do this most effectively, the industry needs to be pro-active in looking at new ways of maintaining the health of the nation's forests so that they can continue to be at the forefront of our drive to lead Scotland towards a greener, more sustainable future."
The report states that every element of forestry practice will need to be reviewed.
Some of the key proposals include a move to more diverse planting, introducing different varieties of trees and revising operational practices. Forest managers will also need to ensure that staff receive appropriate training and guidance to help them meet the new range of challenges.
The full article contains 286 words and appears in Midlothian Advertiser newspaper.
