Tory MSP hits out at 'relentless tree-planting drive'

Rachel Hamilton made the comments during a debate on forestry in the Scottish Parliament yesterday, in which members discussed the industry's important contribution to the nation's net-zero goals. 

However, Ms Hamilton and a number of other MSPs suggested efforts to increase the amount of hectares of new woodland created in Scotland were causing much concern in the farming community. Tensions between farmers and forestry are long standing.

READ MORE: Refresh of Forestry Grant Scheme planned for early 2023

Speaking during the debate, the Tory MSP said: "Last week, I met members of the local NFU Scotland branch in my constituency, in the Scottish Borders, many of whom were at the rally outside the Parliament last week. They were keen to express their concerns about forestry impacting their ability to produce food. 

"I am not raising that issue to dispute the vital role that forestry has in capturing carbon from the atmosphere – the Scottish Conservatives share the Scottish Government’s net-zero ambitions. 

"However, forestation in Scotland seems to come with needless costs. We have already heard of the damage that non-native planting causes to Scotland’s biodiversity. 

"A relentless drive towards more trees at all costs is also damaging Scotland’s ability to put our valuable productive land to best use: growing crops, grazing livestock and filling supermarket shelves." 

Other points discussed during the debate included: 

• The announcement of a review into future grant support for forestry 
• Whether the country is getting the balance right between native and non-native planting 
• The important contribution the sector is making to life across Scotland 
• Whether investment should be taken away from the private sector and instead made in the public sector 

Speaking earlier in the debate, Scotland's forestry minister, Mairi McAllan, said both industries can co-exist and thrive together. 

She said: "My view is that sustainable food production and increased forest cover must be part of a net-zero Scotland. The Scottish Government’s strategy – if I can speak to it in the generality – is about recognising the many opportunities that our land gives us to rise to the challenges that we face with climate change and nature loss, and making sure that we optimise each of those, while not undermining the others.

"I am clear about the co-benefits that forestry is delivering for Scotland – for climate, for nature, for people and for the economy.

Mairi McAllan

"I believe in having the right tree in the right place and the co-existence of trees and agriculture. More than half of the forestry grant scheme applications for grant support for woodland creation are for smaller woodlands – those under 20 hectares – which are typically part of existing agricultural businesses. They provide shelter for livestock and habitat for wildlife, reduce our carbon footprint, provide an alternative fuel supply, and help planners with flooding.

"Farmers and crofters are, of course, part of wider rural communities. As we increase our forest and woodland resource, and attract greater levels of private investment, we are determined to ensure a just transition and benefits for our people." 

Forestry Journal will have more from the debate across our channels, and an in-depth feature in December's magazine.