FAS Woodland Tool Helps Skye Crofter Plant 45,000 Trees

31 October 2025

This case study highlights how crofters can benefit from the free FAS woodland tool to explore woodland establishment and management options on their croft. The case study explores Mr MacAskills experience using the woodland tool.

Click Here for the Woodland Tool

About the Croft

Located in Drynoch on the Isle of Skye, Alasdair’s 1200ha croft has many enterprises including a 400 ewe flock, 60 cow suckler herd and hydro power stations. Over 30 years ago, Alasdair decided to plant areas of native woodland. This has provided shelter to neighbouring silage fields.

Alasdair MacAskill, Drynoch

An established area of woodland that Alasdair previously planted

Woodland Trust Visit + SFGS Application

Alasdair was having issues with his ground becoming severely poached due to the ground moisture and dangerous burns that were becoming a concerning welfare issue for the livestock if not fenced off.

Alasdair decided the best option was to use the ground for something else other than livestock. He used the woodland tool to request a free advisory visit from the Woodland Trust.

As a Result of the Visit:

During the visit, areas available for planting were discussed and a final agreement of four compartments making up a total of 30 ha was made and the woodland trust applied for the forestry grant scheme (FGS) on Alasdair’s behalf.

The Forestry Grant Scheme

The FGS supports the creation of new woodlands and contributes to the government target of 18,000 ha of new woodlands annually. The scheme is funded by the Scottish government and offers support, guidance and financial incentives. Find out more.

The compartments are located within the cuillins special protected area (SPA) where 8 pairs of breeding golden eagles are located. These compartments were chosen to maximise tree survival. After careful consideration and a detailed bird survey, the proposed works were believed not to affect the eagles and the FGS application was approved.

A total of 45,000 trees were planted across all four compartments during the months of March – May 2025. An array of native species were chosen for their resilience in harsher climates, including:

Birch
Oak
Scots Pine
Willowin wetter areas

All establishing plants are protected by tree guards that expand as the tree grows until it is at a stage that it can survive independently. Alasdair has not observed any pest issues such as voles.

One of the compartments spanning 2ha

One of the establishing trees protected by its guard

Benefits Observed

Although it is early days for the new woodland compartments Alasdair has seen many benefits from previous planted areas including:

Improved ground
Increased wildlife
Natural livestock shelter

which he also hopes to see from the new woodland in the future. Alasdair adds:

‘It was quite a big project to manage. I needed to co-ordinate fencers, buying trees, fencing materials and planters. There were a few tense moments, but I am pleased with how it is now. A diversified income is important for the business during these uncertain times. I am very grateful to everyone who came together to make this project possible, including the fencers, digger operators and planters.''

Alasdair has also joined a carbon credit scheme, although it will be a while before he sees any benefit from the scheme, he believes it’s a step in the right direction and will bring many benefits for his business. Alasdair hopes to continue to maintain the establishing woodland and fill more spaces in the near future.

Christina Macinnes, SAC Consulting