Bid to bring trees to Orkney ‘a success’

A 15-year project to add to notoriously 'treeless' Orkney has just ended. Picture: Jane Barlow

The Orkney Woodland Project, which has now come to an end, has initiated many new woodland areas for the local community and wildlife to enjoy into the future.

Over the years, the projects have obtained grants for 228 individuals, schools and organisations to plant various native tree species in the county, with many additional sites being planted without a grant.

Funding for the project came from the Forestry Commission, Orkney Islands Council, Scottish Natural Heritage and the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The project has been run on a part-time basis by Jenny Taylor. who has led a steering committee which included representatives from the Council, the Forestry Commission Scotland, the Hoy Trust, Orkney Field Club, RSPB Scotland, and Scottish Natural Heritage.

Work on the project began back in 1997, with funding from the Millennium Forest for Scotland Trust and the Forestry Commission. Over four years approximately 50 acres of woodland were created.

The Orkney Woodland Development Project was then created which focused its efforts on woodland management advice and further tree planting.

This was given a huge boost when the Forestry Commission provided specific top-up grants for Orkney and Shetland, which resulted in unexpectedly high levels of planting, especially in the outer isles.

Over £250,000 of grants was obtained and 230 acres planted from 2001 until 2007.

Jenny Taylor said: “I would just like to take the opportunity to say that it has been an absolute pleasure to work with all the people – from farmers to schoolchildren – who have so enthusiastically planted and cared for trees throughout the islands during this time.

“The commitment, enthusiasm and sheer hard work that I’ve encountered in people of all ages has been truly inspirational”.

James Stockan, Chair of the Council’s Development and Infrastructure Committee, said: “The impact of the Orkney Woodland Project has been immense.

“They have engaged with a broad spectrum of the community in a variety of ways, raising the profile of native trees and woodlands and getting people actively involved in their establishment and management in Orkney.

“Access to woodlands has been dramatically increased with planting and community management in woods close to communities. The project has literally changed the face of Orkney and we will enjoy its benefits for many years to come.”

Jack Moodie, Councillor for Kirkwall West and Orphir, has been involved in some of the planting projects in Kirkwall.

He said: “Jenny Taylor and the Orkney Woodland Project have constantly promoted and encouraged high quality work, ensuring that Orkney’s new and old woodlands will continue to thrive.

“They’ve developed local skills and provided wider economic benefits. They’ve constantly exceeded the targets they set themselves and the effort put in by Jenny and her various planting armies across the years has been incredible.

“I am sad to hear that the project is coming to an end but know that a lasting legacy has been provided.”

John Risby, for Forestry Commission Scotland’s Highland and Islands Conservator, said: “For over ten years the Orkney Woodland Project has been leading activity to protect and expand the woodland cover across the Northern Isles.

“A lot of effort has gone into gathering seed and cuttings from the remnant native woods and trees on the islands and using these to create new native woodlands.

“The conditions for growing trees are challenging but the work of the Project has ensured that these new woodlands will help to secure the future of native woodlands on the Isles and have demonstrated how through wide engagement and expert advice the Orkney Islands can contribute to the Scottish Governments woodland expansion target.”

Gail Churchill, Operations Manager for Scottish Natural Heritage, said: “From small beginnings, 15 years ago, the Orkney Woodland Project has gone from strength to strength, driven by the hard work, enthusiasm and dedication of its project officer, Jenny Taylor.

“SNH has been involved in the project from the start and it’s rewarding to see how much has been achieved over the years and how it has inspired so many people to plant and enjoy native trees in Orkney.”