News

Glenlivet Estate Demonstrates Its Forestry Activities

8 October 2009

More than 30 foresters and land managers recently visited The Crown Estate’s Glenlivet Estate to discuss best practice and observe the various measures taken to efficiently run the estate’s forestry operations.

The visitors were all members of the Royal Scottish Forestry Society (RSFS) whose north and north-east regions were holding a joint meeting at Tomintoul  on the Glenlivet Estate. They were given the opportunity to observe several management schemes under way at Glenlivet and discuss how they met conservation, woodland regeneration, public access and business targets.

Andy Wells, Head of Countryside Management – Rural Estates at The Crown Estate said: “The Crown Estate operates a long-term integrated, multiple use forest management strategy at Glenlivet and elsewhere on our rural properties, in which we aim to deliver a wide range of local, economic and environmental benefits. This is achieved by developing paths and trails, enhancing biodiversity, improving landscapes and meeting various community needs through the provision of a range of  woodland facilities and educational services.

“This work involves a balance between growing timber for commercial objectives, to help provide local employment and revenue for re-investment, while meeting strict environmental standards and supporting a diverse rural economy. Increasingly forests and woodlands are being valued for their contribution to tackling climate change issues and The Crown Estate is working actively to develop forest carbon management policies which help capture carbon.”

Gareth Whymant, northern region chairman of the RSFS said: “It was interesting to see how woodland and forestry management was considered an essential part in the management of such a large estate. The Crown Estate is taking up the challenges faced by commercial forestry in uncertain economic and climatic conditions, and is not afraid to innovate.” 
       
The Glenlivet Estate also demonstrates partnership working including organisations such as the Forestry Commission, Cairngorms National Park Authority and Aberdeen University. It contributes to Scottish Government targets through planting schemes, recreational developments, community involvement, and research.

ends

Notes to editors:
• On behalf of the nation, The Crown Estate manages a highly diverse £6 billion property portfolio across the UK.  The value of its holdings in Scotland is £237 million.
• Its objectives, which are laid down by Parliament under The Crown Estate Act 1961, include enhancing the value of the estate and the revenue it produces.
• Every year The Crown Estate pays all of its surplus revenue to the UK Treasury for the benefit of all UK taxpayers: in 2008/09 this was £226.5 million. £15.5 million of this came from Scotland.
• The core values of commercialism, integrity and stewardship, guide and inform all business activities.
• The Crown Estate is committed to working in partnership with the Scottish Government and members of the Scottish Parliament, local authorities and a wide range of other stakeholders to safeguard the long term interests of the environment and the communities with which we work.
• In Scotland, The Crown Estate includes:
 The marine estate consists of over half the foreshore and the seabed out to the 12 nautical mile territorial limit. The Crown Estate has the right to explore and utilise the resources of the UK continental shelf (excluding oil, gas and coal), including the right to license renewable energy in the form of offshore wind, wave and tidal power. We are working with our partners to ensure that Scotland is well placed to take advantage of the benefits that renewables will bring through employment and by reducing carbon emissions.
 The rural estate in Scotland comprises 43,000 hectares and includes the Glenlivet, Fochabers, Applegirth, Stirling and Whitehill estates. It includes 185 agricultural tenancies and 102 residential properties.
 The urban estate includes retail property in Edinburgh.
• The Crown Estate in Scotland is managed from its Edinburgh Office at 6 Bells Brae Edinburgh EH4 3BJ.