The UK has pledged to increase woodland cover from 13% to 19% by 2050, which will require the planting of millions of trees, as recommended by the Committee on Climate Change. Trees sequester carbon and woodlands provide vital ecosystems for biodiversity and people alike, yet we continue to see 12-15 million hectares of forest lost across the world every year, and the UK remains one of the least wooded areas in Europe.

This woodland project supports the overall aim to increase in woodland cover and was planted in the winter of 2019/20 to create a new native woodland on the banks of Loch Ewe, Western Scotland. With a diverse species mix suitable to the region and local climate, this project is designed to promote natural regeneration, whilst extending areas of existing woodland, improving connectivity, and enhancing the local landscape and habitat networks.

With 31,000 trees planted across 21 hectares, the project will store 8,500 tCO2e over its lifetime. As one of ClimateCare’s exclusive projects, we have been involved right from the initial design stage, planting plan and validation process, and are now doing ongoing monitoring under the Woodland Carbon Code.

• Local native species carefully selected to ensure survival in harsh upland conditions
• Regeneration of Montane Scrub, a rare and declining habitat in highland regions
• Project area sits within historic golden eagle territory