Details
Date: 3rd September – time 9:30am-4pm
Locations: Crofthead and James Jones
The trip has been designed by Eleanor Harris, chair of the Sustainable Land Management Connectors. Eleanor writes:
What does a ‘commercial’ forest look like? At Crofthead, planted in 2018, forester Andrew Macqueen has re-written the rulebook and inspired foresters across Scotland and beyond. A graduate in Forestry from Aberdeen University, Andrew spent nearly ten years with a large company before setting up his own business to focus greater attention on diverse species and silvicultural systems. Winner of the 2020 UK Future Forestry Leader Award, Andrew is leading a movement within forestry to reduce polarisation between 'productive' and 'native' forestry, to create forests and woodlands which work for nature and people as well as production. I first visited Crofthead soon after it was planted, and again earlier this year, and it remains the most progressive and interesting woodland creation example I have seen.
Where do the timber lorries go? Visiting a sawmill for the first time was a revelatory experience for me, unlocking insights into natural capital, supply chains, forestry, the low-carbon economy, and wood in construction. The theory and statistics did not prepare me for the experience of seeing it with my own eyes, and I would recommend it to everybody. James Jones Lockerbie is one of the UK’s biggest mills, and one of the most technologically advanced in Europe, producing a wide range of wood products for all kinds of essential uses, and employing 150 people. This is a unique opportunity to see what goes on inside, which I would love to share with the natural capital community and see what you think.
Itinierary
9:30am - Arrival
By train:
- Meet at Lockerbie Train Station at 9:15-9:30 AM.
- A lift will be provided to the forest.
- Train from Edinburgh: Departs Waverley at 8:12 AM, arrives Lockerbie at 9:09 AM.
By car:
10:00am - Forest morning
- Group carpool from meeting points to the forest.
- Guided tour of the forest, including key features and highlights.
12:30pm - Lunch
- Lunch will be provided on-site.
13:30pm - Sawmill afternoon
- Tour of the sawmill facilities.
- Presentations and / or discussions of the day
4:00pm - Departure
- Return to meeting points or arrange onward travel.
Additional Notes:
- Dress for outdoor weather and walking.
- Parking/train details confirmed upon RSVP.
- Contact Sally (smatchett@scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk) for questions.
