Penmanshiel Wind Farm
RES
13 Forestry
Introduction and Overview 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
13.1 A fundamental aspect of the proposed wind farm is the surrounding forest and its potential impact on Ordovician and Silurian greywackes and shales, and form soil types which range from freely and
turbine will have an influence on the flow pattern of the wind. This can be in the form of imperfectly drained brown earths to poorly draining gleys and peats. These soils are suitable for both
shielding/blocking the wind or can be the cause of turbulence which can have a damaging effect on agricultural grazing and forestry, although wetter gleys and peats raise the risk of forest crop
the turbine blades. windthrow and consequently affect thinning intensity and rotation length.
13.2 Each turbine manufacturer has a different set of acceptance criteria of what height and distance a 13.10 Although transport connections to the site via trunk roads are excellent, there are no internal forest
structure can be before it becomes unacceptable to the operation of the turbine. In designing this tracks or access tracks into the woodland from the public road system. Track construction would
wind farm the applicant has considered the requirements of leading manufacturers and would expect therefore be required prior to harvesting.
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).
Methodology
13.3 As the forestry on site is already at that height the trees will have to be felled. Also since much of Policy and Guidance
the land around each turbine is already higher than the turbine base elevation it will not be possible
13.11 The conduct of forest operations, including the planting and removal of trees is governed through
to replant as the allowable 7-10 m height allowance is already effectively taken up. As a result it will
legislation, policy and guidance. Forestry in Scotland, public and private, is administered by the
be necessary to fell approximately 204 ha of coniferous woodland (please see Table 13.4 for a
Forestry Commission Scotland 1 who, in conjunction with the forest industry, make available guidance
breakdown of this figure).
and standards 2 including the UK Forestry Standard, 2004 3 . The guidance and standards are designed
13.4 Impacts of this deforestation are considered within this chapter, which has been prepared by the
to comply with a wide range of legislation, for example The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1995 (as
Scottish Agricultural College.
amended), The Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 and The Water Resources Act 1991 etc. Of
13.5 Forests and woodlands supply multiple environmental resources, with the relative value of these particular relevance to forestry operations at Penmanshiel are the Forest and Water Guidelines, 2003,
resources being dependent upon the type of forest and its management. Woodlands, including Forest and Soil Conservation Guidelines, 1998 and Forest and Nature Conservation Guidelines, 1990.
plantation woodland, tend to become more complex through time, both structurally and biologically.
13.12 Woodland removal and the felling of trees for development (under planning) such as that proposed at
As such, most woodland can be expected to gain in resource capital through time. The loss of
Penmanshiel is outwith the scope of the 1967 Forestry Act, and is felling licence exempt 4 . The
environmental capital can therefore impact adversely on the environment.
control of woodland removal is in this case a matter for the planning system. Policy on woodland
13.6 The approach adopted in this assessment is to first describe and evaluate the forest in terms of a removal is specifically mentioned in paragraph 148 of the Scottish Government’s Scottish Planning
number of services that it provides (resource, ecological, amenity, social and biospheric). Having Policy 2010 5 which refers directly to The Scottish Government’s Policy on the ‘Control of Woodland
established a baseline the impacts of de-forestation upon these services are then assessed. Removal 6 ’ which is published by the Forestry Commission. The process of planning and the
13.7 The Forestry assessment is closely linked with other environmental topics that are addressed requirement for an EIA in respect of the proposed development also mitigates the need for a specific
elsewhere within the Environmental Statement (ES) and cross-references are made as appropriate. deforestation EIA; note however that this forest chapter has been produced with reference to the
The following chapters are of particular relevance: Forestry Commissions publication Environmental Impact Assessments of Forestry Projects, 2009 and
• landscape and visual impacts are assessed in Chapter 7: Landscape and Visual; covers the headings found within this document.
• impacts on flora and fauna (excluding birds) are assessed in Chapter 8: Ecology; 13.13 The Scottish Borders Woodland Strategy, 2005 outlines under strategic themes several policy
• impacts on the water environment are addressed in Chapter 11: Geology, Hydrology and objectives and actions. These themes, objectives and actions include the expansion and
Hydrogeology; and
• Traffic and transport impacts are assessed in Chapter 14: Access, Traffic and Transport.
Forest Location, Underlying Site Conditions and Access 1
Forestry Act 1967 (as amended)
2
Forestry Commission http://www.forestry.gov.uk/website/publications.nsf/$$Search?OpenForm&NoSearch
13.8 The site lies between the A1 and the A1107, is located between 175 to 235 metres above mean sea 3
Forestry Commission http://www.forestry.gov.uk/pdf/fcfc001.pdf/$FILE/fcfc001.pdf
level and has a mainly south easterly aspect sitting on the upper slopes of Meikle Black Law. The 4
Forestry Commission http://www.forestry.gov.uk/website/forestry.nsf/byunique/infd-5zgn3a
landform consists of rolling hill tops and associated hill slopes with steep-sided valleys. Surrounding 5
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/300760/0093908.pdf
land use is predominantly mixed farming and forestry. 6
http://www.forestry.gov.uk/pdf/fcfc125.pdf/$FILE/fcfc125.pdf
13-1 Volume 2: Main Report
Chapter 13: Forestry
Penmanshiel Wind Farm
RES
diversification of woodland. Consideration of these objectives and those of Scottish Planning Policy • Ecological and conservation interests; and
are reflected in this chapter with recommendations made on proposed compensatory planting. • Public usage and landscape. With information gathered through field observation and in
accordance with landscape principles and assessments 7 .
Scoping
Field survey Methods
13.14 Of the several scoping opinions issued from consulted parties a few related directly to the removal of
the Penmanshiel Moor Forest. 13.20 Several field surveys were undertaken during the second week May 2011 to confirm received
13.15 Scottish Borders Council (SBC) noted that ‘Although production conifer forests (Penmanshiel documentary information and collect additional information as appropriate. No detailed forest survey
plantation) are often ascribed low values in terms of biodiversity and visual amenity, these values rise work was undertaken, since the observations accorded with the documentary information. The field
as the forest mature and diversify’. This point is considered in depth within the baseline assessment surveys consisted of observation and note taking with specific reference to each forest environmental
(see paragraphs 13.57 to 13.62). In addition SBC requested surveys for habitats and distinct protected service. Information was collected following Scottish Agricultural College’s standard site evaluation
species (see Chapter 8: Ecology), but nothing directly related to the plantation or forest ecology, aide memoir.
which is also covered within this chapter. There is an expectation from SBC that compensatory 13.21 Resource services surveys consisted of an evaluation of timber quality, quantity and size. Where
planting will occur and that this should be used to expand particular forest habitat networks. measurement was required this conforms to normal forest mensuration practice 8 . Consideration was
Compensatory planting is considered in paragraphs 13.101 to 13.103. made to the quality of access for forest operations including deer stalking.
13.16 The Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) made no specific or direct reference to the 13.22 Ecological, Amenity and Social services surveys were by observation of habitats, species, public usage,
environmental effects of deforestation, forest road construction, harvesting or forest carbon landscape and ease of access.
balances, although reference is made to the effects of construction on soils and peat carbon balances. 13.23 Biospheric services surveys consisted of general observation of tree stands in order to confirm volume
Issues relating to impacts and mitigation of deforestation, forest road construction and harvesting assessment, soil conditions, exposure and tree stability.
activities are considered within this chapter (see paragraph 13.74 to 13.89).
13.24 The process was based on a combination of object measurement, standard forestry field surveying
13.17 Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) request that methods should be outlined, proposing how the ground and professional judgement.
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 Assessment Methodology
conservation value, including giving consideration to the restoration of dry heath habitats. 13.25 From the collected information and in the absence of a forest management plan an assumption as to
13.18 The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) made comment on investigating the potential the baseline state of the forest at Penmanshiel was made. This considered the development of the
effects of the development on neighbouring woodland (Pease Bridge Glen) and establishing a felling forest as a commercial enterprise within the requirements of current forestry standards. Predictions
schedule which ‘avoids the bird breeding season’. The former is dealt with directly in this chapter were made (using standard tables and tools 9 ) as to timing of forestry operations, the volumes of
while the latter is an operational mater dealt with indirectly with reference to forest operational timber produced, harvesting frequency and the future structure of the woodland.
standards and guidance. 13.26 Using this information, an assessment is made of the condition of the forest resource against each of
Desk Study the following environmental service:
• Resource services: these comprise consumable but renewable resources and products such as
13.19 Forests and woodlands are dynamic and develop through time. The pace of this development is
timber, fuel wood, fruits, plants and animals. By nature these services have low embedded
influenced by management operations, which are governed by economics, rules and standards. The
carbon content or are carbon neutral 10 , however their loss may result in the use of substitute
following information was therefore gathered:
goods with higher imbedded carbon content or possible adverse environmental effects in the
• Forest maps, showing the location of compartments, buildings tracks, watercourses, protected forest area from which they originate, if low environmental standards apply.
areas, terrain, boundaries, soils and geology etc; • Ecological services: these are composed of the beneficial contributions forests make in
• Crop inventories and other management information; stabilising soils, protecting watersheds and habitats. Removal of woodland may increase soil
• Expired and existing grant schemes; erosion and increase peak flood loads. Woodland provides shade and shelter for a range of flora
• Current regulations, standards and policies; and fauna, which are unable to thrive in the open environment.
• Details of the wind farm development, including details in respect of construction, operation and
the decommissioning process;
7
Anon (2002) Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment, 2 nd Edt. The Landscape Institute.
• Research notes as applicable for example Heal K. V., et al (2004) New data for water losses from
8
Matthews R. W., and Mackie E. D., (2006) Forest Mensuration. A handbook for practitioners. Forestry Commission.
mature Sitka spruce plantations in temperate upland catchments, Hydrological Sciences Journal,
9
Rollinson T. J. D. (1988) Thinning Control Field Book 2 Forestry Commission & Matthews R. W., and Mackie E. D., (2006)
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 Forest Mensuration. A handbook for practitioners . Forestry Commission.
10
biodiversity. Forestry Commission; Their production is cyclic with replacement new growth sequestrating emissions from harvesting
Volume 2: Main Report 13-2
Chapter 13: Forestry
Penmanshiel Wind Farm
RES
• Amenity services: these comprise the positive feelings people enjoy when viewing or visiting Sensitivity Description
woodland and they may be sensory or imaginary. Forests may have historical associations or be Medium • Forests or woodlands which provide important local resources in the shape
of significance in the landscape. Forests can have strong cultural and spiritual links with industrial wood, fuel wood and/or non-timber products.
• Forests and woodlands of regional conservation importance and/or forests
particular groups within society. woodlands which contain species of flora and/or fauna of regional importance.
• Social services: these are mainly composed of leisure and sporting activities, for example, horse And forests and woodlands which protect soils or watersheds on which small
populations depend
riding, mountain biking, orienteering, nature and educational study and shooting sports. They • Regionally significant historically and culturally important forests and woodlands
are activities that can involve one or more people. Their value is not directly related to use or and/or forests and woodlands which are or form landscapes of local importance.
numbers but to the quality of the experience. • Forests and woodlands which are a regionally significant recreational resource.
• Forest or woodlands which sequestrate and or contain modest quantities of
• Biospheric services: these comprise services that protect and enhance our environment, for greenhouse gases and or regionally important biodiversity
instance the ability of forests and woodland to affect climate by either sequestrating or releasing Low • Forests or woodlands which provide modest local resources in the shape of
Greenhouse gases (GHG). Carbon calculation figures were derived using the Forestry industrial wood, fuel wood and/or non-timber products.
11
Commissions ‘Lookup table’ . The tables provide estimates of woodland carbon sequestration • Forests and woodlands of local conservation importance and/or forests and
woodlands which contain species of flora and/or fauna of local importance. Also
and biomass given a set of assumptions 12 . Under conventions an allowance for accuracy and risk forests and woodlands which protect soils or watersheds of limited importance.
is made; this is for the purpose of identifying worst-case scenarios for carbon sequestration • Forest or woodlands of limited local historical and or cultural interest and
woodlands and/or forests which are not significant in the landscape.
claims as they relate to afforestation and management projects. The accuracy and risk • Forests and woodlands which are of limited local significance as a recreational
conventions were not used in the case of this deforestation for development as this was the resource.
• Forest or woodlands which sequestrate and or contain small quantities of
worst-case scenario. greenhouse gases and or which have limited biodiversity interest.
13.27 The site is valued in terms of each of these environmental resources, on the basis of professional Very Low • Forests or woodlands which provide little or no local resources in the shape of
judgement informed by collected information. Consideration is given to the quality and quantity of industrial wood, fuel wood and/or non-timber products.
• Forests and woodlands of very limited conservation importance and/or forests and
the environment resource within the context of the descriptions given in Table 13.1, which provides woodlands which contain species of flora and/or fauna which are common and
an indicative framework for valuation. abundant. Also forests and woodlands which do not materially protect soils or
watersheds.
Table 13.1: Sensitivity and/or importance of the Site in terms of the Environmental • Forest or woodlands of very limited historical and or cultural interest and
woodlands and forests which are not significant in the landscape.
Resources that it provides.
• Forests and woodlands which are of very limited significance as a recreational
Sensitivity Description resource.
• Forest or woodlands which sequestrate and/or contain small quantities of
Very high • Forests or woodlands which provide a significant national resource in the shape of greenhouse gases and or which have very limited biodiversity interest.
industrial wood, fuel wood and/or non-timber products.
• Forests and woodlands of international conservation importance and/or forests Magnitude of Impacts
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. 13.28 The proposed de-forestation has an impact on the environmental services provided by the forest. An
• Internationally significant historically and culturally important forests and forests assessment of the magnitude of these impacts is made in accordance with the scale presented in
and woodlands which form all or part of landscapes of international importance.
• Forests and woodlands which form an internationally significant recreational Table 13.2.
resource.
• Forests or woodlands which sequestrate or contain significant quantities of Table 13.2: Magnitude analysis
greenhouse gases and/or which have internationally important biodiversity.
Magnitude Description
High • Forests or woodlands which provide significant regional resources in the shape of
industrial wood, fuel wood and/or non-timber products. Very high The loss of any forest or woodland which will make untenable the ability to
• Forests and woodlands of national conservation importance and/or forests deliver the entire spectrum of forest environmental services or the loss of any
internationally significant forest service.
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 High The loss of forest or woodland that will make untenable the delivery of significant
interest. parts of the spectrum of forest environmental services or the loss of any
• Historically and culturally important forests and woodlands of national nationally significant forest service.
significance and forests and woodlands which are part of, or form landscapes of
national importance. Medium The loss of forest or woodland which will severely impact on the ability to deliver
• Forests and woodlands which are a nationally significant recreational resource. the entire spectrum of forest environmental services, or the loss of any regionally
significant forest service.
• Forest or woodlands which sequestrate and or contain large quantities of
greenhouse gases and or which contain nationally important biodiversity. 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.
11
http://www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/INFD-8jue9t 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
12
Details on how the tables are constructed and are used is available from http://www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/INFD-8jue9t forest service.
13-3 Volume 2: Main Report
Chapter 13: Forestry
Penmanshiel Wind Farm
RES
• 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
Significance of Effects
(including the larch and pine) are around 20 m in height and cover 1.2 ha, while the younger area
13.29 The magnitude of the impact is combined with the sensitivity of environmental services provided in of predominantly spruce trees of around 4 m in height covers 1.8 ha. This woodland was clearly
order to determine the significance of the impact. Table 13.3 presents a matrix for determining planted to provide shelter to farm stock. This lies outside the site boundary and will not be
significance. felled as it belongs to an adjacent landowner.
13.30 Impacts which are Very Substantial or Substantial (highlighted in Table 13.3) are deemed to be 13.34 Table 13.4 provides a breakdown of species type by area and includes areas of open ground. Figure
significant in EIA terms. 13.1 identifies the areas that are proposed to be felled.
Table 13.3: Evaluation of Effects Matrix Table 13.4: Distribution of woodland types as at 2011
Magnitude Sensitivity Description Remarks Area (ha)* Area %
Very high High Medium Low Very low Penmanshiel Moor Forest
Very high Very Substantial Substantial Moderate Minor Sitka spruce Yield Class (YC) 13 16 101.98 54%
Substantial
Yield Class 14 40.55 21%
High Substantial Substantial Moderate Minor Minor
Yield Class 12 1.71 1%
Medium Substantial Moderate Moderate Minor Negligible
Yield Class 10 1.48 1%
Low Moderate Minor Minor Negligible Negligible
Scots Pine Yield Class 10 0.22 0%
Very low Minor Minor Negligible Negligible Negligible
Yield Class 8 12.51 7%
European Larch Yield Class 12 4.18 2%
Baseline Information
Yield Class 10 0.07 0%
13.31 Penmanshiel Moor Forest consists of a densely planted 23 year old commercial plantation of Sitka Other pines Yield Class 8 (mix of LP & CP) 1.00 0.5%
Spruce (Picea sitchensis) (SS) interspersed with small areas of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) (SP) and Broadleaves Yield Class 4 6.88 3.5%
European larch (Larix decidua) (EL). SS is a commonly planted commercial tree, while the other two
Open ground Open space & tracks 18.12 10%
species, although of commercial use, are often planted to provide visual and ecological diversity. In
Sub-Total Penmanshiel Moor Forest 188.70 100%
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. Penmanshiel Moss
13.32 For conservation and landscaping reasons, areas of broadleaved trees have been retained and Mixed Conifer Yield Class not known (SS & LP) 13.8 100%
planted. Areas of open ground extend through the woodland and consist of rides for access, buffer Lady’s Folly Shelter Belt
zones for watercourses and open areas, which were presumably located for landscaping and deer Mixed conifers (SS, Yield Class not known 1.6 100%
SP,EL)
control.
Total Area to be de-forested 204.1
13.33 In addition to this woodland several other areas of trees lie within 500 m of the proposed turbine
locations. These are: * These areas are estimates based on information supplied by Scottish Woodland Ltd & Scottish
Agricultural College site survey
• Penmanshiel Moss, an area of predominately SS and LP, extending to around 13.8 ha. The 13.35 Forests and woodlands are dynamic; they deliver multiple environmental services, which can be
woodland is planted on wet bog and is a mix of natural regeneration, non-productive broadleaved expected to become more complex through time. For this reason the baseline assessment of
trees and conifers of relatively poor timber quality; Penmanshiel needs to take into account those services which it would have come to provide in the
• Lady’s Folly shelterbelt consists of a mix of LP and SS and extends to around 1.6 ha. This wood is absence of the current development proposals and changes as a result of the proposed Penmanshiel
also of indifferent timber quality with areas of dead and dying pine. This woodland was planted wind farm need to be assessed against this baseline.
to provide shelter to farm stock;
13.36 Currently there is no forest management plan in place for Penmanshiel, or any of the outlying blocks,
• Winding Burn plantation comprises semi-natural broadleaved planting consisting of the following
and in the absence of any such plan the following assumptions are made:
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 • the woodland would be managed typically as a commercial venture and in accordance with
located within the steeply incised riparian valley of the Winding Burn. It is unlikely that these current forestry industry standards; and
trees would contravene the criteria for efficient turbine operation during the 25 years of the
13
wind farm and, as such, they will not be felled; and Description of Yield Class is found in Rollinson T J D (1988) Thinning Control Forestry Commission Field Book 2 HMSO
Volume 2: Main Report 13-4
Chapter 13: Forestry
Penmanshiel Wind Farm
RES
• shelterbelts remain unmanaged and either eventually acquire semi-natural characteristics or are 13.44 The development of the above structure, and the environmental services it could be expected to
subject to windthrow and clearance, usually to be replaced by native or amenity tree planting. provide at this time, form the baseline.
13.37 The following baseline assessment is therefore a description of the forest environmental (ecological 13.45 The woodlands are now at a stage were thinning could begin. Where the risk of windthrow is high,
system) services delivered by the woodland in the absence of the proposed development and taking thinning may not take place, with trees being clear felled at a critical threshold height. The risk of
into account the assumptions outlined in paragraph 13.36. 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
Resource Services
therefore assumed for this baseline.
Industrial wood 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
13.38 The area of productive forest on Penmanshiel Moor extends to approximately 188.7 ha (species mix
around 80,000 to 92,000 tonnes (t) at first rotation.
outlined in Table 13.4). The woodland is predominately SS (77%) of which 54% is YC 16 and is above
13.47 Harvesting would occur periodically every 5 years or so, with the greatest volumes being removed at
average in productivity for Scotland. The remainder of the woodland consists of lower yielding
clear fell. Thinning yields would remove approximately 8,000 m³ every 5 years and clear felling
coniferous and broadleaved trees. Areas of open ground are retained for access and conservation
around 62,000 m³ in total when trees reach their rotation age.
purposes.
13.48 The loss of all future timber resources through early felling at Penmanshiel is estimated to account
13.39 In addition to the main Penmanshiel woodland block, there are several smaller areas of woodland
for around 0.04 % of average annual domestic supply of timber resource. Given this and the ability of
which contain productive conifers and will be affected by the development. These are Penmanshiel
the nation to source alternative timber resources, the sensitivity of the forest plantation is considered
Moss and Lady’s Folly shelterbelt. These are of little commercial value due to their small size, access
low for timber.
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 Deer (production)
management. 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 kilometre 15 . Figures from
13.40 Penmanshiel Moor Forest was planted in the late 1980s. Some of the other woodlands in the outlying
the Deer Commission show an average cull figure of around 20 animals per year 16 . This figure
blocks are younger, probably planted in the late 1990s. No thinning has been undertaken since
indicates a moderately high density of deer and with the expected development of the forest
planting and all the woodlands are now at ‘thicket stage’ the trees forming a dense impenetrable
structure, cull figures would be expected to remain in the high teens for the period of first rotation.
mass.
Locally however, the forest plantation represents a resource service of low sensitivity for deer
13.41 Current forest practice would be to manage this commercial woodland on a clear fell silvicultural
stalking because of the relatively high populations of roe deer within the area and their
system. Trees are grown until they reach an economical size at which point they are felled. For
adaptability 17 .
woodland where the risk of windthrow 14 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 Ecological Services
trees. It also provides an interim income.
Water
13.42 The woodlands in and around Penmanshiel would normally be thinned every 5 to 7 years up to the 13.50 Several watercourses pass through the plantation at Penmanshiel and are described in detail in
time of final felling. The application of the UK Forest Standard would mean that not all the woodland Chapter 11: Geology, Hydrology and Hydrogeology.
would be felled at once. Felling would normally take place as a phased process, with a gap of
13.51 The presence of the woodland tends to have a drying effect on soils and can reduce levels of run off
between five to seven years between adjacent felling. This would have the intended consequence of
and mean stream flows. Woodlands therefore tend to reduce overall water yields and may lower the
breaking down the current even age structure.
risk of flooding through attenuation. The imposed forest drainage patterns which would have
13.43 If the clear felling process at Penmanshiel started 40 years after planting it could be expected to be complied with forest standards are not expected to have compromised water quality with drain
complete within 20 to 25 years. This process would create a more structured and diverse forest, with gradients and silt traps designed to reduce siltation. Spruce forests, such as that at Penmanshiel,
tree age ranges from 1 to 65 years. Penmanshiel could be expected, by 2053, to consist by area of have been shown in various studies 18 to reduce water yields. At the proposed Penmanshiel wind farm
the following: site it has been shown that peak flows in surrounding watercourses may increase by approximately 6 %
• 65% mixed commercial conifers (spruces, larches & pines); due to the removal of trees (Chapter 11: Geology, Hydrology and Hydrogeology paragraphs 11.75 to
• 20% open ground (unplanted land including roads, rides and clearings);
• 10% native broadleaf trees; and 15
Estimated based on professional experience and DCS figures
• 5% retention of old trees (trees of any species and size). 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
14 18
The physical upturning of trees caused by high wind speeds, exposure and poor soils being factors K. V. Heal et al New data for water losses from mature Sitka spruce plantations in temperate upland catchments
13-5 Volume 2: Main Report
Chapter 13: Forestry
Penmanshiel Wind Farm
RES
11.81 and Table 11.9). However, the overall change in water yields is not expected to be significant • Thinning, which will allow greater light levels to reach the forest floor, enabling the
in a catchment context. establishment of naturally occurring plants, trees and shrubs. Modern felling practices preserve,
13.52 In comparison with agriculture, forests require very little to no input from the use of herbicides, where possible, standing dead wood and other non-timber tree species, such as broadleaves
pesticides and fertilisers. The risk of point source or diffuse chemical pollution is therefore much which have become established within plantations. These trees act as a seed source and provide
lower. At Penmanshiel, prior to clear felling, there is expected to be no use of herbicides, pesticides greater diversity.
and fertilisers. After felling there may be a requirement to apply pesticides to control weevils, • Re-stocking. Penmanshiel would be expected to remain predominantly a commercial SS
though this is usually confined to the individual trees and has minimal impact on surrounding land. plantation and the majority of restocking would consist of SS. However, in order to comply with
Ground preparation methods such as mounding or scarifying usually negate the need for herbicide current Forest Standards the introduction of other conifers such as EL, SP and Norway spruce
use. Input of foliage and dead wood from the previous tree crops and the soil types at Penmanshiel (Picea abies) would be required. In addition, natural regeneration of spruces, birches (Betula
suggest that there would be no requirement for fertiliser applications. 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
13.53 While forest harvesting, ground preparation and drainage operations can result in an increase in the
this would increase to nearer 10%. Species chosen for planting would normally be native and
risk of run off and sedimentation, the application of forest standards and Forest Water Guidelines
related to the National Vegetation Classification for that type of site and climate. The addition
(see Chapter 11: Geology, Hydrology and Hydrogeology) would be expected to mitigate this.
of these trees would increase the conservation value of the site, particularly along the margins of
13.54 Changes to Penmanshiel and outlying woodland blocks assumed under likely forest management
watercourses.
practices would result in a low increase in water yield with possible periodic, temporary limited local
• Open space is expected to increase from the current 10% of the plantation to around 20% over the
impacts on water quality as a result of felling and replanting operations. These are not expected to
first crop rotation, although some of this expansion will include roads. The area of dry dwarf
have a significant impact on local or regional water supply and the sensitivity of this resource is
heath and marshy grass habitat is expected to expand into these areas.
therefore low.
13.59 The forest plantation at Penmanshiel currently has a low ecological services sensitivity. Despite the
Soil
factors noted in paragraph 13.58, it is considered unlikely that the ecological services sensitivity of
13.55 The woodland is planted on soils derived from the Ettrick soils series. These soils comprise mostly
the site would increase from this level by the end of the first rotation.
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 Amenity services
order to allow the successful establishment of trees. Wetter soils such as the peat and peaty gleys at Landscape
Penmanshiel tend to become dryer, aerobic and more fertile. Although aerobic conditions can lead to
13.60 The potential landscape impacts of de-forestation are considered in Chapter 7: Landscape and
the production of greenhouse gases (GHGs), this tends to be compensated by the accumulation of
Visual.
biomass, leaf litter and dead wood.
Cultural Heritage
13.57 These changes would bring soils closer to their natural forest condition than that of the moorland
13.61 The potential archaeological and cultural heritage impacts of de-forestation are considered in
previously found on the site. Although little detail is available at Penmanshiel, it could be assumed
Chapter 10: Cultural heritage and Archaeology.
that the development of the forest under the likely management regime 19 (with operations designed
to minimize soils disturbance and with greater accumulation of litter and brash) would have little 13.62 In view of the above amenity services are not considered further in this assessment.
major effect on soils and that sensitivity to any changes is low.
Social Services
Habitat and Protected Species
13.63 Penmanshiel currently offers little in the way of social services. The site is not easily accessed and is
13.58 Currently the woodland at Penmanshiel offers limited biodiversity interest (see Chapter 8: Ecology).
not well roaded. There is no evidence of frequent visits by the public for recreational purposes.
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: 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
• Windthrow, which results in the premature or partial removal of trees. Trees may also become
service resource.
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 13.65 Recreational stalking is currently undertaken on lease. Although deer numbers are expected to be
then be colonised by a variety of flora and fauna. The windthrow and dead trees increase the moderately high, the nature of the woodland makes the current quality of the stalking low, although
quantity of dead wood available to both insects and fungi and as a consequence those animals activities such as thinning, harvesting, restructuring and restocking would improve the quality of the
which depend on them, including wood wasps (Urocerus gigas), fungi such as Yellow stagshorn stalking considerably.
fungus (Calocera viscosa) and birds such as woodpeckers (Dendrocopos spp). 13.66 The forest plantation, in a local resource context, can be seen as having low social services
sensitivity.
19
Anon (1988) Forest and soil Conservation Guidelines. Forestry Commission.
Volume 2: Main Report 13-6
Chapter 13: Forestry
Penmanshiel Wind Farm
RES
Biospheric Services Predicted Effects of the Scheme
Climate 13.74 The proposed wind farm will result in the removal of approximately 204 ha of forestry, requiring an
13.67 Woodlands provide a sink for GHGs 20 and in particular carbon dioxide (CO2). Trees convert CO2 into extended harvesting operation, which is expected to result in 1,600 machine hours with an
complex carbohydrates which are components of wood and other biomass. The natural process of operational duration of around 500 to 700 hours, (10 weeks to 14 weeks), weather allowing.
growth and death or felling and replanting in managed forests cause peaks and troughs in this rate of
13.75 The harvesting is expected to yield approximately 18,000 tonnes of timber, and will result in around
sequestration and storage of carbon. On permanently wooded sites these peaks and troughs even out
900 one-way heavy goods vehicle (HGV) movements (the predicted impact of these HGV movements is
and an equilibrium of carbon sequestration can be approximated.
assessed in Chapter 15: Access, Traffic and Transport). This compares with HGV movements over an
13.68 The amount of carbon accumulated depends on many factors, but key influences in addition to the expected rotation of a maximum of 263 during thinning cycles and 510 HGV movements in one year
amount of tree cover, are rate of growth, size potential and longevity of the trees on site. These when clear felling and a total of 3,290 movements over 35 years.
factors are species-specific and site dependant. Management is also a critical factor, since
13.76 Site restoration proposals (see Chapter 8: Ecology) will require the raking and chipping of brash mats
inappropriate management can cause woodland decline releasing CO2 into the atmosphere.
left by the harvesting operations as well as some disposal of brash offsite. The chipping operations
13.69 Under the expected baseline management regime, and using species-weighted yield-prediction and are expected to have an operational duration of around 270 hours.
lookup tables 21 it is estimated that the woodland at Penmanshiel would sequestrate approximately
13.77 The process will remove all the forest environmental services and the potential impact of this is
44,000 tonnes of Carbon Dioxide (t CO2) over a 50 year rotation period (see Appendix 13.1 for
discussed below.
detailed calculations). In effect this is the lost potential future sequestration once the forest is
felled. Resource Services Impact
13.70 Emissions from the clear felling (for the wind farm development) are estimated to be around 56,000 13.78 Penmanshiel was planted to produce a supply of industrial wood. Early felling of the wood may result
tonnes of CO2 (see Appendix 13.1 for calculations). These emissions will occur as the cumulative in 18,000 m³ of timber for the pulp and chip market, rather than a mix of saw logs, pallet logs, (80 -
biomass in roots, stumps, branch wood and wood products decay. The differential rate of decay of 90% of the crop), chip and pulp (10-20% of the crop) predicted under normal management. The
the roots, stumps, branch wood and wood products (pulp to paper) is not known, but brash (branch removal of this supply will have a number of environmental impacts. Demand for timber within the
wood) and paper products are likely to have a shorter life expectancy (5 years or less) than the stump UK outstrips domestic supply; the loss of ‘home’ production might be displaced abroad. Alternatively
or root component, which could feasibly take decades to decay. However, for the purposes of this this loss could be made up through an increase in intensity of felling elsewhere in the UK. Where this
assessment, it has been assumed that the full amount of CO2 will be lost during the life of the wind supply is sourced from well managed plantations or natural forests within industrial European nations,
farm, which is a highly precautionary approach and should be regarded as the worst case scenario. with similar environmental standards to the UK, the magnitude of this impact would be low.
13.71 The reversion of land from forestry to agriculture (rough grazing) could result in the production of 13.79 The removal of woodland at Penmanshiel is equivalent to the loss of 0.2% of Borders forest cover,
additional GHGs CO2, CH4 and N2O. These emissions are directly related to stock, assumed sheep, which at around 19% of the land area is around the average for Scotland, but is less than the target of
production and could be in the region of 7.4 kg CO2 eq per Kg of live weight sold off farm 22 . However 25% set by the Scottish Forest Strategy 23 . The magnitude of the loss of forest cover must be
such grazing would probably be an extension of an existing farm enterprise and is unlikely to be considered against the already low forest cover in this area, which raises the magnitude from low to
significant. medium.
13.72 The Borders region, Scotland and the UK have below average European forest cover. Around 76% of 13.80 Deer cull figures indicate a moderately high productive capacity. The removal of woodland will cause
the Borders forest area consists of spruce plantations and most of these are established in exposed a displacement of deer populations and cull figures are expected to drop. However given the small
locations. The location and nature of this type of forestry mean that rotations are necessarily shorter numbers of deer shot over this location the magnitude of the impact is expected to be very low.
than equivalent broadleaf or conifer rotations elsewhere in Europe. The length of rotation,
13.81 The overall Resource Services sensitivity is low and the maximum magnitude of impact is predicted to
particularly under clear fell silvicultural systems has a significant effect on carbon sequestration. The
be medium. As a result, the loss of resource services at Penmanshiel is predicted to potentially have
loss of the biospheric resource at Penmanshiel can be considered as having a higher significance in a
minor adverse impact which is not significant.
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. Ecological Services Impact
13.82 The removal of trees is expected to have an impact on the quantity of water running off the site.
20
Combating Climate Change - A Role For UK Forests: Main Report An Assessment of The Potential of The UK's Trees and Some localised and short term impacts may also occur on water quality. Large scale harvesting
Woodlands to Mitigate and Adapt to Climate Change operations will cause temporary and local damage to soils and adversely affect water quality, but
21
Carbon look up tables http://www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/INFD-864G2R adherence to forest standards and water guidelines will minimise risks (see Chapter 11: Geology,
22
Anon (2009) Estimating greenhouse gas emissions from Scottish Livestock enterprises, 2009 production cycle, A discussion
23
paper. Quality Meat Scotland. Anon (2006) Scottish Forestry Strategy, The Forestry Commission.
13-7 Volume 2: Main Report
Chapter 13: Forestry
Penmanshiel Wind Farm
RES
Hydrology and Hydrogeology). It is considered that these events will therefore have a low Ecological services mitigation
magnitude effect overall.
13.91 The woodland will be felled using a Shortwood system, harvest and forwarder combination.
13.83 Removal of trees will have an impact on species, notably roe deer which will be displaced. However,
Harvesters will cut, sned (de-branch) timber, cutting it to length and placing the cut timber (product)
mitigation is proposed to address potential impacts upon valued ecological receptors and legally
in rows either side of the brash mat. Branches, needles, undersized product, dead wood and tree
protected species (see Chapter 8: Ecology), with the result that the magnitude of the impact upon
tops will form the brash mat, creating a surface over which both harvesters and forwarders can move.
these receptors is predicted to be low. Taking into account the potential increase in biodiversity
Forwarders will collect product and extract this to roadside, where it will be collected by heavy goods
value over time, and outlined in the baseline section of this chapter, it is predicted that this
vehicles and conveyed from site. The brash mat is design to provide protection to soils, reducing the
magnitude of effect could increase to medium.
risk of rutting, liquefaction, compaction and erosion. Where soils are particularly sensitive or wet,
13.84 Disturbance to soil will be caused by activities such as heavy traffic associated with harvesting tracked harvesters and forwarders fitted with band tracks will be used.
activities and the construction of tracks (estimated to be 6 km within the forest). This has the
13.92 Harvesting operations will accord with current best environmental practice, following appropriate
potential to cause both disturbance to the soil and limited compaction with the result that the
forest, water, soil and conservation guidelines.
magnitude of the impact upon soils is predicted to be low.
13.93 After felling the site will remain partially covered in brash. Several options are available and include
13.85 The overall Ecological Resources sensitivity is low and the maximum magnitude of impact is predicted
leaving in place, redistributing, burning, chipping or bailing and removing the brash mat.
to be low. As a result, the loss of ecological services at Penmanshiel is predicted to have a negligible
13.94 Leaving the brash in place will inhibit the establishment of native vegetation. Operations to move or
impact, which is not significant.
remove the brash run the risk of soil damage and must be carefully controlled. Brash removal will
Social Services Impact 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
13.86 The woodland currently provides limited social services and its relative remoteness and limited access
establishment of native moorland vegetation. Burning brash may cause a nuisance (smoke) and soils
suggest that the magnitude of its loss would be very low under expected and likely management
may suffer from water repellence. Chipping brash may exacerbate nutrient leaching and acidification.
scenarios.
Removing brash from site will provide the best conditions for moorland vegetation establishment by
13.87 The loss of social services at Penmanshiel is considered to be negligible and not significant.
reducing physical obstructions and soil fertility.
Biospheric Services Impact 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
13.88 Woodlands contain a significant carbon content compared with other land uses. Trees also
brash mats and the use of forest machinery in appropriate weather conditions.
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 13.96 Potential impacts on run-off and water quality can be mitigated by rapid establishment of vegetation
wind farm development would cause a loss of local forest carbon sequestration capacity and following clear felling. This will also protect soils and can be encouraged by chipping of brash mats
deforestation and land change to agriculture would increase emissions. The low forest cover and the preparation of the ground before sowing. Establishment may also be helped by the
regionally, and nationally, makes the loss of this service proportionally greater and more acute. The introduction of domestic stock to graze tree regeneration, which may hinder heath regeneration,
magnitude of the impact upon biospheric services oils is predicted to be medium. 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
13.89 The overall biospheric services sensitivity is medium which, combined with the medium magnitude of
diffuse pollution.
impact, means that the loss of biospheric services at Penmanshiel is considered as potentially having
a moderate adverse impact, but is not significant. 13.97 Potential damage to soils can be mitigated by:
• Use of brash mats along extraction/harvesting routes;
Mitigation, Enhancement and Compensation Measures
• The fitting of band tracks to machines in difficult working conditions;
Resource services mitigation • Stopping of work in extremely wet weather;
• Avoiding watercourses and drains; and
13.90 The loss of a renewable resource service (timber) can be mitigated by either substitution or drop in • The preservation of vegetation close to watercourses and along rides where possible.
demand. It is unlikely that demand for timber products will drop, or that a comparable renewable
13.98 The planting of mixed coniferous woodland or, ideally, native broadleaved woodland elsewhere, will
product will replace it. Therefore direct substitution is the only feasible option. This can be
offer mitigation for lost habitats.
achieved by either replanting a comparable productive crop elsewhere or by establishing a substitute
resource. 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
Volume 2: Main Report 13-8
Chapter 13: Forestry
Penmanshiel Wind Farm
RES
to, during and after felling. Accordingly deer population assessment and appropriate culling are potential. However the use of a high portion of native and non native mixed conifers could
advised as mitigation measures. Culling should comply with the ‘Best Practice Guidance’ published by benefit important species such as red squirrel;
Scottish Natural Heritage 24 . • The planting must fit the landscape, in shape, size and scale. This might mean that several
13.100 SS is a naturalised species and is capable of regenerating prolifically. Birch trees will also regenerate woodlands are appropriate rather than just one single planting;
prolifically on felled sites. The control of this regeneration is important if woodland re-establishment • The planting must be accessible to the public, attaching planting to an existing social resource or
is to be prevented. Chemical methods of control may cause issues for diffuse pollution and will near to a centre of population are options;
damage sensitive flora and fauna. Mechanical means, cutting or the introduction of stock at low • The species must be capable of sequestrating similar amounts of CO2 as those they replace. Yield
density offer the most sensitive mitigation solutions. Selection of the best method of regeneration class, spacing and rotation length are important factors.
control should take account of the on-going need to manage the site as set out in the Outline Habitat Assessment of Residual Effects
Management Plan (see Appendix 8.3).
13.104 The proposed development is expected to have the following residual effects after application of
Compensatory Planting mitigation measures and compensatory planting:
13.101 In line with the Scottish Government’s Policy on woodland removal 25 , it is recognised that there is a • There will be a reduction of regional timber resource services however the scale of this reduction
requirement to compensate for woodland that would be felled for the proposed wind farm. could be absorbed by a small increase in harvesting intensities within the regions other
Discussions have been held with SBC regarding the nature of potential off-site compensatory planting woodlands. The residual effect would be of insufficient magnitude to have anything other than a
and the mechanism for securing this. The outcome of these discussions is that it has been agreed, in minor effect. Compensatory planting of appropriate species would reduce this to a negligible
principle, that SBC will contract with a third party to find suitable areas within East Berwickshire that effect.
can be planted, liaise with landowners and carry out the agreed tree planting. RES will provide the • The temporary displacement of deer populations, caused by site disturbance would result in a
funds for this process, which will be secured upon approval for the wind farm via a suitable legal small reduction in this resource but would have a negligible effect.
agreement (anticipated to be under section 69 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973). This • The removal of the woodland will have a temporary adverse effect on forest ecological services.
proposed mechanism will be in line with that proposed in the Forestry Commission guidance to staff The application of appropriate operational guidance in felling and deer control will mean that
for implementing the woodland removal Policy 26 . initial operational adverse residual effects will be minor. Compensatory planting that included
native broadleaved trees would produce a beneficial residual effect, particularly where these
13.102 The felling at Penmanshiel would result in the loss of potentially 44,000 tonnes of t/CO2. The loss of
connected existing habitats and extended along riparian zones.
this carbon sink resource can be offset to some extent by using compensatory planting. The most
• The removal of the woodland will have negligible effects on forest social services. However the
effective plantings in this respect are those directed toward better quality mineral soils, using trees
establishment of planting in accessible locations in accordance with current forest guidance and
that grow quickly, to large volumes, live longest and which are importantly managed on continuous
standards will have a beneficial residual effect, particularly were this is located close to local
cover rotation. Forest rotation length is significant and woodlands managed on clearfell rotations are
communities.
likely to have lower sequestration potential (c.50%) than trees managed under continuous cover or
• The loss of woodland will result in the loss of sequestration capacity; emissions from
other permanent situations.
deforestation and land use change, the residual effects of which are predicted to be moderate.
13.103 Whilst it is not yet possible to be specific as to the exact make-up of compensatory planting, it is
However the wind farm will assist in emissions reduction and compensatory planting, particularly
recommended that the planting of multipurpose woodland containing defined areas of native
where this occurs on arable or improved land and is under a continuous cover silvicultural system
broadleaf trees and mixed conifers offers the best solution. The exact composition will depend on
should compensate for both sequestration losses and agricultural emissions.
location, soils and climate. However the following principles should be applied in order to obtain the
maximum beneficial effect. Summary and Conclusions
• The woodland must be capable of producing timber (broadleaf or conifer) of comparable volume 13.105 Penmanshiel consists of an area of plantation forest which, in the absence of the proposed wind farm,
and quality or of lesser volume but greater quality than that it replaces. Trees producing timber would be managed commercially to UK Forest Standards. The application of these standards would
should be established at appropriate spacing; produce a reasonably diverse woodland site with a range of habitats by the end of the first rotation,
• The woodland must contain tree species of equal or better ecological potential than those they estimated as being between 2028 and 2048.
replace. The planting of native species in appropriate mixtures offer the best ecological
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
24
http://www.bestpracticeguides.org.uk/Default.aspx result in the clearance of approximately 204 ha of forest. The loss of the forest will result in the loss
25
Forestry Commission Scotland (2009) The Scottish Government’s Policy on Control of Woodland Removal of these environmental services in particular: Resource services, ecological services and biospheric
26
Forestry Commission Scotland (2010) Guidance to Forestry Commission Scotland Staff on Implementing the Scottish services, the later having the greatest impact being of moderate significance.
Government’s Policy on control of woodland removal
13-9 Volume 2: Main Report
Chapter 13: Forestry
Penmanshiel Wind Farm
RES
13.107 Resource services comprising consumable but renewable products such as timber, fuel wood and deer. will sequestrate more CO2 than equivalents under clear fell. Smaller areas of low yielding trees for
It is predicted that the construction of the wind farm of will result in the loss of between 62,0000 and example native broadleaved woodland under a continuous cover system could equal in sequestration
74,000 tonnes of timber production during the first rotation of Penmanshiel. Provided this loss is terms a larger area of higher yielding conifers under clear felled such as that at Penmanshiel.
sourced from well managed forests elsewhere in Europe the environmental impact on these resource 13.115 The adverse effects of forest clearance can be mitigated, through the application of various forest
services caused by development of the proposed wind farm is expected to be low. standards and guidelines. Compensatory planting is proposed to offset the loss of woodland at
13.108 The deer cull from Penmanshiel is modest, less than 20 animals a year. This cull figure is expected to Penmanshiel. The scale and species composition of this compensation planting will be dictated by
rise in the short term as deer displaced by the felling seek other woodland. There is not expected to location, soil and climatic factors. However compensatory planting should be of sufficient scale and
be a complete loss in this resource, but some displacement. Deer cull figures could be expected to composition to at least compensate for the forest environmental services that it replaces.
rise in the short term before returning to normal levels as disturbance ceases and populations settle. 13.116 On the basis that all the recommended mitigation and compensatory planting is carried out, the
The environmental impact on these resource services caused by development of the proposed wind proposed wind farm is predicted to have no residual adverse impacts on the forest environment. In
farm is expected to be minor. addition where appropriate species and locations are used, for example the planting of native
13.109 Ecological services are composed of the beneficial contributions forests make in stabilising soils, woodland, with good access and under a continuous cover silvicultural systems benefits in forest
protecting watersheds and habitats. The process of forest removal will temporarily increase the risk environmental services could be expected to increase.
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
Volume 2: Main Report 13-10
Chapter 13: Forestry
PENMANSHIEL
WIND FARM
FORESTRY FELLING
LAYOUT DWG T-LAYOUT NO.
01711D0001-09 PSCOpms024
DRAWING NUMBER
01711D2227-03
SCALE - 1:15,000
PLANNING APPLICATION
THIS DRAWING IS THE PROPERTY OF RENEWABLE ENERGY
SYSTEMS LTD. AND NO REPRODUCTION MAY BE MADE IN
WHOLE OR IN PART WITHOUT PERMISSION