Turning over a New Leaf – The Importance of Shelter on the Croft – Event Summary

This meeting took place in Great Bernera on the far west coast of Lewis with a croft tour of small woodland habitat and a demonstration of planting techniques in the village of Kirkibost.

Speakers included:

• Viv Halcrow, The Woodland Trust
• Douglas Priest, SAC Woodland Consultant
• Iain Macmillan, Local SAC Consultant for Lewis & Harris

Opportunities to support the creation of woodland in an exposed crofting landscape were covered by all three speakers.  The meeting also covered higher density of planting and access to ground suitable in depth and nutrient capacity.

Funding schemes discussed included:

• The Northern & Western Isles native species woodland creation scheme
• The Woodland Trust scheme and The Crofting Agricultural Grant Scheme (CAGS)

Key take away points:

• Assess the appropriateness of woodland creation to the
  • Landscape
  • Livestock
  • Activity
• Forward Planning for access to funds to carry out activities and create a cash-flow
• Seek advice as to the suitability of native tree stock and the planting situation

If you were unable to attend this event then please feel free to call our advice line for more information about this event or the topics discussed at it.