Forests cover nearly one third of the world’s total land area and are vital in ensuring environmental functions such as climate regulation and soil conservation in addition to biodiversity. They provide habitats for a large array of plants and animals, many of which are rare or threatened. Biologically diverse forests also contribute to the sustainability of the wider landscape and provide a range of other ecosystem services.

A range of ecological surveys were undertaken in 2021 to understand the existing biodiversity in the Stobo Hope valley. These identified the following constraints and opportunities:

Notable bird species sighted:

• Barn Owl

• Black Grouse

• Golden Eagle

• Hen Harrier

• Osprey

Vegetation:

• Marshy Grassland

• Bog habitats

• Dry dwarf shrub heath

• Contiguous areas of bracken

• Ground water dependent terrestrial ecosystems

Protected species (terrestrial):

• Badger

• Mountain hare

• Otter

• Water vole

Over the past 150 years, the atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide has increased significantly and now exceeds 400 parts per million. This is as a direct result of human activities, mainly through the use of fossil fuels and changing land use. There is mounting evidence that climate change could create impacts on our environment that may be substantial, abrupt and irreversible.

Climate is a key consideration in future forests. Carbon sequestration is a large role that our future forests have to play in helping to fight the climate crisis. By selecting fast-growing timber trees, we can lock up more carbon quicker. Another consideration is climate resilience. Forest Research have developed models that allow us to predict the site suitability of tree species based on future climate scenarios. The following tree species have been identified as suitable for this site:

Conifers

• Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis)

• Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii)

• Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris)

• Western red cedar (Tsuga heterophylla)

• Grand fir (Abies grandis)

• Noble fir (Abies procera)

• Juniper (Juniperus communis)

Broadleaves

• Downy birch (Betula pubescens)

• Silver birch (Betula pendula)

• Sessile oak (Quercus petraea)

• Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia)

• Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna)

• Willow (Salix caprea, Salix cinerea, Salix aurita)

• Common alder (Alnus glutinosa)

• Aspen (Populus tremula)

• Wild cherry (Prunus avium)

It is worth noting, that even though a tree has been identified as climatically suitable for the Site, local conditions such as frost pockets and exposure to wind mean that we have to be sensible in selecting where to plant each species.

Surviving elements of the historic environment take many forms, and include ancient woodlands, veteran trees, earthworks, ruined structures and buried archaeological features. Together these elements provide a rich source of information about past societies and how they used and managed the land – including forests and woodlands.

An assessment of the historic environment at Stobo was undertaken in the spring of 2021. 153 sites related to the historic environment were identified across the assessment area. These included evidence of prehistoric activity up to more recent settlement and farming practices.

Five designated sites were present in the assessment area:

• Stobo Castle Garden and Designed Landscape

• the Pyked Stane cairn

• Clashpock Rig homestead

• Hammer Knowe fort

• Huskie Rig funerary remains

The European Landscape Convention recognises that all landscapes are important, whether officially recognised through formal designations or not. It also highlights the importance of involving the public and other interested parties in the creation and implementation of landscape policies – including the design and management of forests, woodlands and trees. Forests and woodlands are important visual elements in the landscape that change over time. They have great potential to enhance and enrich the environment and make a significant contribution to landscape quality.

The following landscape features have been identified for consideration in this project:

• The Upper Tweed National Scenic Area (NSA)

• The John Buchan Way

• Existing Scots pine roundels

• Stobo Castle Garden and Designed Landscape

• Existing estate tracks and future forestry tracks

• The expansive views from the tops of the hills.

• Intervisibility between schedules historic monuments in the local area

Woodland creation projects are encouraged to take place away from prime agricultural land (defined as grades 1, 2, and 3.1 in Scotland). The quality of the land in a local context, and its environmental sensitivity, should be considered. Grazing land has significant potential for the creation of high quality and high value woodlands.  However, this should be achieved in ways that seek to avoid adverse impacts on local patterns of agriculture and that aim to complement and enhance the agricultural and environmental value of the remaining unplanted land.

The Stobo Hope woodland creation project will take place on land having a Land Capability Classification for Agriculture of 5.3, 6.1, and 6.3

Forests and woodlands provide wide-ranging and diverse benefits to people in the UK. In addition to supporting livelihoods and employment, either directly or indirectly, sustainably managed forests deliver a range of environmental and social goods and services. They can enhance biodiversity by providing wildlife habitats, mitigate the effects of climate change, and provide opportunities for access and recreation. Forests also have a role in our historical and contemporary culture and contribute to attractive landscapes.

People are a primary consideration in woodland creation projects. The following points are considered as a part of the woodland creation scheme:

• Access: including established rights of way and the right to roam

• Changes to views from residential properties

• Changes in local employment

• Private water supplies

• Timber transport

Soil is an important component of the forest ecosystem. It is a complex and variable medium comprising mineral particles, organic matter, water, air and living organisms. The characteristics of soil largely determine the nature of the flora and fauna that sustains the world’s terrestrial biodiversity and its productive potential. It is a vital resource that must be used in a sustainable way to ensure it can continue to perform its many functions.

Whilst the primary concern for woodland creation is deep peats (defined as having a peat layer deeper than 50cm in Scotland), consideration is also given to the soil type and its capability for growing trees. Soil depth and compaction is also accounted for during the design process.

Forests and woodlands have a close relationship with our water resources, and forest management and water quality are closely linked. Sustainable forest management is essential to ensure the supply of good-quality fresh water, provide protection from natural hazards such as flooding or soil erosion and to protect the needs of aquatic species.

Within woodland creation projects we consider riparian woodland as a key element within the project design.

The following water environment issues are identified for consideration by the scheme:

• River Tweed SSSI/SAC

• Hopehead Burn and its tributaries

• Pear Burn as its tributaries