Camilty Wind Farm - Partnerships for Renewables

Camilty Wind Farm
4.2.18 Camilty Plantation is managed according to the United Kingdom Woodland Assurance
Standard (UKWAS)’ which aims “to own, interpret, develop and promote a certification
standard for forest management in the United Kingdom on behalf of United Kingdom forestry
and environmental communities, and bodies which represent the interests of people working
in woods and forests or using them for the purpose of recreation, for the general benefit of
people”. This standard ensures that the forest is managed to reflect the requirements set out
in the governmental UK Forestry Standard, and required by certification schemes – the
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and Programme for the Endorsement of Forest
Certification schemes (PEFC). It provides a way to inform customers that timber products
come from responsibly managed sources. There is broad scope within the certification
standard for owners and managers to decide on appropriate objectives for their woodland.
The certification standard generally prescribes what must, overall, be achieved but leaves it
to the owner/manager to decide how this is best done in each situation.
4.2.19 FCS manages its woodlands according to a site-specific Forest Design Plan (FDP) as
discussed in section 4.2.30 below. This goes through extensive stakeholder and public
consultation before gaining statutory approval. Camilty has an approved plan that is focusing
on the restructuring, diversification of the crop, appropriate habitat works, and management
of important statutory features. The management options are limited by the soils, climate,
aspect and species choices. This results in a predominantly non-thin, clear fell regime of
commercial conifer crops.
4.2.20 Since 2002 all forestry matters are devolved to Scottish Ministers.
Current Forest Strategy
4.2.21 Since the early demands of forest policy to provide a strategic reserve of timber, Scottish
Ministers Scottish Forestry Strategy 2006, highlights a changing role for forestry and the
purpose of the National Forestry Estate. Forests are now considered to be an important
national resource that provides numerous benefits to the local, regional and national
communities. Some of these benefits are easily quantifiable (business development, timber
production, recreation, etc.) others less so (health, well being, etc.). This recognition of the
wider importance of forests has greatly influenced the way in which woodlands are now
managed, and particularly the decision making processes involved in their management.
4.2.22 The Scottish Lowlands Forest District Strategic Plan 2009-2013 contains the framework for
decision making and management of the forest district and guides the regional forest policies.
4.2.23 The strategic plan recognises the importance of forestry in the natural environment and the
contribution it makes to the local communities. Many of the forests in this region are near
local communities, and Camilty and its surrounding plantations are visited by recreational day
visitors on a regular basis.
4.2.24 The strategy also recognises that the role of forests should be to develop business
opportunities and provide employment not only inside forestry but the industries that develop
around it.
4.2.25 Climate change and renewable energy production is a key theme that is developed in the
strategy. The potential for wind farm development and wood fuel energy projects will reduce
the impacts of carbon emissions. The need for the development of wind farms in the district is
clearly identified in the Renewable Energy section of Key Theme One: Climate Change in
which it states:
March 2013 4-5 ES Chapter 4
Description of the Proposed Development
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