The rise of deforestation is in the newspapers and on our TVs all of the time, and for good reason. It’s estimated that there will be no rainforests left on the planet within 100 years if significant action is not taken. We’re currently deforesting the equivalent of 36 football fields every single minute. This astonishing rate of destruction has a huge impact on the climate crisis, the habitat of wildlife and is leading to the extinction of several species of animals. If deforestation isn’t stopped, it will have a huge impact on our lives. That’s why forest creation projects and rewilding have become so vitally important.
Although forest creation here in Scotland may not make a huge impact on the deforestation of the Amazon in Brazil, the continued practice of reforestation and rewilding will lead to a change in culture. By making sustainable forestry and forest creation the norm here, we can – hopefully – see similar trends across the world. There have been many success stories from across the globe that hint at a change in the tide but there’s still a way to go yet!
So, what is forest creation, how is it carried out, how does it improve the environment and what are the economics of these projects? Read on to find out more.
What Exactly is Forest Creation and Rewilding?
Forest creation is precisely what it sounds like; creating woodland in areas across the country. Although it may sound simple on the face of it, forest creation takes a concerted effort from landowners and the government. Forest creation and rewilding projects require planning, funding, patience and extensive knowledge. The right trees need to be placed in the right locations to have a successful forest creation project.
Depending on whether a forest is being created to generate sustainable timber, to improve biodiversity, capture carbon or a mixture of all three, the project will take a different approach. When planning, a forest creation project must ensure that all of the objectives are clearly defined and will be achieved through the completion of the project. As well as this, planners must consider the current wildlife inhabiting the area, whether any historical landmarks need to be respected and any regulations that should be followed. Once impact assessments and plans have been drawn up and analysed, planting can get underway.
Depending on the size of the land being rewilded, thousands of trees and shrubs can be planted. Over the ensuing years and decades, the trees will be maintained and cared for to ensure they are healthy and growing. Often, the person planting the forest will not see their creations mature but the following generations will be able to enjoy them.
How Does Forest Creation and Forest Service Improve The Local Environment?
All of the planning and preparation that goes into forest creation projects is worth it in the end. The benefits of forest creation and rewilding are significant and help all of us as well as wildlife.
Sustainable Timber
From an economic point of view, forest creation projects create sustainable products that can be bought and sold, fuelling the economy. The most obvious product created by new woodlands is sustainable timber. This timber is cultivated responsibly to ensure that the forest will be there for many generations to come. This timber can be used for construction to provide the industry with much-needed sustainability.
Other Non-Timber Products
As well as timber, forest creation projects also produce other non-timber products. Berries, mushrooms, honey and game meat are other by-products of a new forest.
Local Environmental Benefits
It should be no surprise by now that forest creation has a range of environmental benefits. At the local level, new forests can help to protect communities from the danger of flooding. As well as this, they can improve the local air quality, provide shade and shelter for animals and reduce extreme weather.
Wider Environmental Benefits
On a larger scale, woodlands will absorb the carbon in the air and store it. Over time, along with other combative measures against climate change, this can help reduce global warming.
Wildlife Benefits
Woodland areas support a wide range of species of birds, mammals and insects. By creating new areas of woodland, animals can be reintroduced to habitats. Providing animals with a safe, secure and nourishing environment ensures that we keep our rich biodiversity intact.
Social and Well-Being Benefits
Finally, forests can improve the wellbeing of communities in the area. These areas provide excellent locations for family outings, community gatherings and a place to relax and unwind! Having the ability to get out and about in the wild can do wonders for people’s mental health.
The Economics of Forest Creation
If you’re an investor and you are looking to switch up your investment portfolio, woodlands can present a financial opportunity, too! By investing funding into forest creation projects, you can share in their success. The forestry market and sustainable timber markets are currently thriving and, in addition, they’re generally safe bets.
Investing your money into a forest creation project can see you return on your investment in many ways. Firstly, like most investments, you can hope that it has increased in value by the time that it comes to sell up. Secondly, you can sell the timber that the forest produces which will give you consistent income. Because of these reasons, forests are increasingly seen as good long-term investment options. They provide diversity to an investment portfolio and are less prone to collapses in value.
As well as this, investment in forestry comes with beneficial tax treatment. There is no income tax charge on harvesting timber and there is also no capital gains tax on any increase in value on the land. Furthermore, no inheritance tax is attributed to woodland sites when you pass away.
As reforesting becomes more and more popular over time, and the need for them increases with that popularity, these sites will become even more lucrative in terms of investment. When coming to the end of a career, funding a tree-planting project is a savvy, tax-exempt way to provide for your family as well as for future generations. By the time your children or grandchildren are grown, they may be able to begin reaping the rewards from your initial investment.
Are You Looking To Invest in Forest Creation Projects in Scotland? Get in Touch With Woodland Creation Today
Here at Woodland Creation, we’re the experts when it comes to forest development and forest creation in Scotland. As forest experts, we understand the vital role that forests play in carbon capture and biodiversity. As well as this, forest creation projects also help to generate an environmentally-friendly and sustainable source of timber for businesses and local communities.
The threat of the climate crisis is always looming and it’s not going anywhere fast. By planting more woodland areas and investing in forest development projects, we can help battle climate change. Woodlands naturally capture and store carbon which helps to reduce the impact of climate change. As well as this, however, investing in forest development can also provide you with highly lucrative returns. The market is currently growing so you can make some money whilst doing your bit!
To find out more about our services, please feel free to contact us today and we’d be happy to help. You can find us at Woodland Creation Scotland, Durn, Isla Road, Perth PH2 7HG. Alternatively, call us on 01738 442 903 or email us at info@woodlandcreationscotland.co.uk.