Barvick Burn Wood Public Consultation

The consultation was open to members of the public. We were particularly interested to hear from:  

We had 84 survey responses in total.  

83% of respondents feel ‘positive’ or ‘very positive’ about our woodland creation plan.  

We’ve highlighted some of the main themes that were mentioned via the public consultation and responded below. We continue to welcome feedback on the project which can be directed to SRS.Department@ed.ac.uk. 

Alternatively, once our plans are visible on Scottish Forestry’s Public Register further comments can be made. We'll provide the link on this webpage when it becomes available.    

Our Community Ranger, Julie Wilson, will be coordinating and facilitating local opportunities and events at the site. You can learn more about the Community Ranger’s role here: Community Ranger’s role in carbon sequestration – Social Responsibility and Sustainability (ed.ac.uk)   

More than half of respondents highlighted access and recreation as a key interest area.   

Many expressed their desire for improved access for walking, running, and mountain biking, with some advocating for the removal of livestock to allow for more peaceful dog walking. Others stressed the need for a circular path system and improved access from the north. 

What we’re doing 

All core paths will be left unplanted. A circular route has been incorporated into the planting design to provide access through the new woodland. There are also some proposed access routes in the woodland design, to allow people to move around the area and explore the landscape. We are happy to work with neighbouring landowners and local organisations to improve access in the wider area.  

Deer fencing will be used to protect young saplings during their vulnerable initial stages of growth. Without this protection, deer browsing poses a significant threat to the survival of the newly planted trees. Deer fencing will be used for up to 20 years and will be removed when the trees are established. Stock fencing for sheep may be required when the deer fences are removed. Self-closing gates will be positioned at key access points in the fence line to maintain public access to and from the site.  

The project will also improve the recreational experience by helping wildlife to thrive and installing educational information boards at key locations.  

Access through the site may be limited to ensure public safety during periods of operational work when machinery will be in use. Public messages will be shared in advance of any significant operational work on site, and alternative routes will be suggested.   

82% of respondents emphasised the importance of prioritising biodiversity. 

Respondents expressed concerns about the current low levels of biodiversity at the site and see woodland creation and open habitat management as an opportunity to address this issue. They advocate for the use of native tree species, emphasising their importance in creating ecologically valuable habitats and restoring semi-natural/native woodland. Respondents were interested in having a variety of habitats including open areas.  

What we're doing 

An independent ecological survey report has been carried out and is available to read on our website. The report identifies species and habitats within our site boundary and provides recommendations to incorporate into the woodland design to best conserve, mitigate impacts and enhance biodiversity.  

The proposed planting plan balances carbon sequestration and biodiversity goals. Planting a mixture of native and non-native trees will increase biodiversity and forest resilience against climate change and pests or disease. Local seed sources will be used in line with Scottish Forestry guidance, and sensitive habitats will be protected or restored as needed. 

Some of the more elevated areas of the woodland, have been proposed as a mixture of low-density native broadleaves, Scots pine, and juniper and open ground to help fit the woodland in the landscape.   Approximately 41% (175ha) of the site will remain as open ground.  

We will create shallow wet scrapes as there is currently very little standing water on the site. Such features will provide a valuable habitat for a variety of species, including invertebrates and birds. 

There are no plans to fell the woodland in the future, with the possible exception of thinning and selective felling of some coniferous areas to promote individual tree growth and improve the woodland’s wind firmness. This would be done on a continuous cover basis.    

Comments highlighted some concerns about the potential displacement of moorland bird species, particularly curlews, black grouse, and hen harriers. Some respondents were worried that planting trees might harm habitats for these species, while others mentioned opportunities to work with neighbouring estates to enhance habitats for upland birds like ring ouzels and waders. 

What we’re doing 

We plan to create shallow wet scrapes for the benefit of wading birds, such as the curlew, lapwing. The creation of wetter areas will provide suitable habitats for invertebrates, thus providing an essential food source for young birds.   

Woodland edges will be ‘feathered’ to provide nesting and foraging opportunities for black grouse. Near black grouse lek sites fences will be marked to make them more visible, to reduce the risk of black grouse flying into the fences. 

The team will plant a lower density of trees and ensure variable spacing between trees in areas near to curlew habitats. Golden eagle foraging areas have been mapped to minimise any impacts on these species. Land management practices, such as reducing sheep grazing and a less intensive cutting regime, will further benefit ground-nesting birds. Planting will be timed to avoid disrupting breeding seasons. 

We will work with our neighbours, The Kith Trust to mitigate potential impacts on bird species as highlighted in the Ecological Report’s recommendations. 

There was strong support for improving diverse habitats and moving away from intensive grouse moor management, which many respondents viewed as harmful to biodiversity. Some respondents were concerned about the loss of agricultural land and expressed the desire for ongoing local employment opportunities linked to traditional land uses like farming and forestry. Some respondents expressed concern for the project’s focus on carbon sequestration.  

What we’re doing 

This project has multiple objectives which includes but is not limited to carbon sequestration. The carbon will only be claimed by the University and therefore only counted in our carbon balance as an offset against our unavoidable emissions, as we are not buying and selling carbon through a marketplace. We also have no plans to sell our carbon offsets, nor will we engage in international carbon sequestration buying and selling. This project is not profit driven. More information about the University of Edinburgh’s climate strategy can be found here. 

Only 18% of the total Glenturret Estate area is owned by the University for the Barvick Burn Wood project. Very little of the land included in Barvick Burn Wood is of good agricultural quality. Our woodland has been designed to integrate with upland sheep management. No significant impact on seasonal labour and contactor involvement is expected.   

In the short term, employment will be created via the implementation and early establishment of the woodland, thereafter further employment will arise in the research and educational aspects of the project, along with direct management of the woodland. We will aim to use local businesses and suppliers for contracts, events, and services where possible. There may be further employment generation resulting from other environmental projects on-site. Encouraging recreation, access and tourism at the site will likely benefit local hospitality.  

Given our unique position as a university, Barvick Burn Wood will host a range of multi-disciplinary research projects. The University of Edinburgh’s Forest and Peatland Programme has a Learning Teaching and Research (LTR) strategy for integrating LTR into the projects at Barvick Burn Wood. Educational information panels will be installed to promote improve public awareness of the site. Our Community Ranger will coordinate and deliver a range of educational opportunities for people throughout the local community. 

1. We are currently in the process of adjusting the woodland creation proposal and continuing to work with local stakeholders and neighbours.  

2. Then, we'll submit an 'Environmental Impact Assessment Screening Opinion Request Form' to Scottish Forestry.  The Request will cover the woodland creation proposals and how we will address any issues. 

3. Once Scottish Forestry give their decision, we will submit a Forestry Grant Scheme application. When Scottish Forestry are content with the application, they will place the application on the Public Resister. 

4. Our application will be on the Public Register for 28 days and further comments can be made during this time. We will update our website when our application is on the public register.  

5. We hope our application will be approved and to begin site work in the summer of 2025.  

For further information on planned progress in 2025, please refer to the timeline on the Barvick Burn webpage.