Workshop - Afforestation due diligence prior to and during the - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Workshop - Afforestation due diligence prior to and during the creation of new woodlands Colin Edwards, Environment Policy Adviser Scottish Forestry

SFS – mitigate environmental risks While sustainable forest management is widely seen as positive for the environment, it is recognised that there are associated risks if good practice is not followed, particularly during tree felling and ground cultivation activities. Modern forest practice has developed to mitigate environmental risks, and it is important that the sector maintains and develops these practices.

Land owners responsibilities Forestry guidelines make it clear that land owners and forest managers planning, permitting or carrying out forest operations should be aware of their wildlife responsibilities and should avoid disturbance of protected species or habitats. Those who may disturb a protected species through a forest operation must consult the licencing authority, Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH). It is the responsibility of the land owner or forest manager to ensure that a licence is in place where protected species are present.

UKFS - Legal Requirement

UKFS - Legal Requirement

UKFS - Legal Requirement

Guidance

Wildcats

Otters

Badgers Both badgers and their setts are protected under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992 as amended by the Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011. Most social groups of badgers have a number of setts within the territory that they use. You can see our summary of offences in relation to the badger below. For the definitive list of offences, you should consult the actual legislation. • intentional or reckless interference with a badger sett • damaging or destroying a sett or any part of it • obstructing access to a sett • disturbing a badger while it is in a sett

Badgers

Birds – plus wider application