SEA Objective 1: To conserve and enhance the diversity of habitats and species
Topic Evaluation Timeframe Duration Commentary
++/+/?/0/- /-- Short / medium / long Temporary / permanent Reducing greenhouse
gases emissions ++ / - Medium Permanent
This Objective is likely to have a significant positive impact on habitats and species. However, care will need to be taken to ensure that the promotion of woody biomass does not create large areas of monoculture which may be harmful to biodiversity, especially in terms of the permeability of habitats which might hinder movement of some species. Care will also need to be taken to ensure that an increase in intensive management as a result of an improved biomass market and development of a processing and supply chain does not disrupt habitats. Conversely better woodland management may also result from an improved biomass market and processing and supply chain which would have a significant positive benefit on those habitats. Making full use of residues from forest thinning and harvesting operations may reduce the amount of deadwood that is left behind in woodland which might have a minor negative impact on some species.
Helping communities, the timber sector and the natural environment adapt to the changing climate
++ Medium Permanent
Promoting the development of integrated habitat networks to help species adapt to climate change is likely to have significant positive benefits for conserving and enhancing habitats and species.
Increasing and matching timber production and processing capacity
+ Medium Temporary
Evening out timber harvesting over time may benefit biodiversity, by helping to ensure that large areas of forest are not being felled all at the same time enabling biodiversity to migrate more easily to new areas. The method of harvesting will be a significant factor in determining the level of adverse effects on biodiversity. Small scale felling operations using for example horses will cause less damage and disruption to habitats and species than larger scale more automated felling operations. Sustainable forms of harvesting should be promoted in the FWS.
Developing sustainable timber transport
solutions
++ Medium Permanent
All of the actions identified to develop more sustainable timber transport solutions are likely to benefit biodiversity by reducing the disturbance of species and habitats in sensitive locations, increasing the range of modes of transport and times that timber is transported, and cutting the overall
distance timber is transported by promoting the use of local timber processing plants.
Supporting development of a market for woody biomass
+/- Medium Permanent
Increasing the supply of woody biomass from existing woodland and linking relatively local sources of biomass with nearby sources of demand may lead to improved management of smaller woodlands whose management may have lapsed due to lack of demand. If timber is harvested in a sensitive way this could benefit woodland habitats and species.
However, care will need to be taken to ensure that large areas of monoculture biomass do not spring up, which have low value in terms of biodiversity and are difficult for species to permeate (and therefore migrate) through. It should also not be assumed that derelict and vacant areas of land are blank canvases – if these pieces of land have been vacant for some time they are often very rich in biodiversity and any new planting should be sensitive to the habitat that is developing and species that are already present.
Increasing the role of woodland in creating a high quality environment for economic investment and regeneration
+/- Medium Permanent
Care will need to be taken to ensure that woodland with high biodiversity value is protected from intensive recreational use and activities which cause significant disturbance. Categorising or zoning woodlands will help identify which recreational activities are most appropriate for which woodlands. For example, whilst the most sensitive woodlands in terms of biodiversity may have access to them limited, woodlands with lower biodiversity value could be suitable locations for mountain biking sites and ‘Go-Ape’ style activities. Encouraging positive management of existing woodlands is likely to be beneficial for habitats and species.
Improving degraded urban and urban fringe landscapes
++ Medium Permanent
Improving degraded urban and urban fringe environments is likely to have significant benefits for habitats and species. However, it should also not be assumed that derelict and vacant areas of land are blank canvases – if these pieces of land have been vacant for some time they are often very rich in biodiversity and any new planting should be sensitive to the habitat
succession that is already occurring and the species that are already present.
Creating opportunities for active travel, recreation, education and training and healthy lifestyles
+ Medium / long
term Permanent
Raising the awareness of woodlands and their habitats is likely to benefit biodiversity over time as the community will start to value and appreciate the benefits that biodiversity brings to their communities.
Promoting opportunities for outdoor recreation may benefit habitats and species in certain locations where improved management occurs, but care will need to be taken to ensure that only recreation appropriate to that woodland occurs to ensure that habitats and species are not unduly disturbed.
Increasing community involvement in woodland planning, management and ownership - Medium / long term Permanent
Involving communities in the management of woodlands is likely to increase understanding and the value placed on biodiversity. It may also increase the pressure for woodlands to be publically accessible, which if not managed carefully could lead to increased disturbance of species and habitats.
SEA Objective 1: To conserve and enhance the diversity of habitats and species
Topic Evaluation Timeframe Duration Commentary
Reinforcing Ayrshire and Arran’s landscape
character and sense of place
++ Short /
medium term Permanent
Promoting woodland that makes a positive contribution to the area’s sense of place is likely to be beneficial for biodiversity as native woodland species, and traditional forms of planting (which will benefit habitats and species) are likely to be promoted.
Protect and enhance Ayrshire and Arran’s natural environment.
++ Short /
medium term Permanent
This Objective directly contributes to this SEA Objective, particularly the priority actions associated with Improving woodland biodiversity and protecting important non woodland habitats and species.
Overview
The FWS Objectives and Priority Actions specifically promote the development of integrated habitat networks, improvement of woodland biodiversity and significant planting of new woodland, especially on degraded urban and urban fringe sites. Cumulatively the FWS Objectives are likely to have significant positive benefits for conserving and enhancing the diversity of habitats and species in Ayrshire and Arran. Impacts may start to be felt in the medium term and are likely to be permanent in nature.
The significant expansion of woodland planned under the FWS will have clear benefits for habitats and species but the type of new woodland planted (native woodland, mixed etc.) and also the specific location of that woodland will also help to determine the effect on this SEA Objective. The assessment of scenarios on the level of Future Forests provides a detailed assessment of the effects on biodiversity of these variables.
Key recommendations for mitigating potential adverse effects are given below:
Ensure that planting for biomass doesn’t result in large areas of monoculture that have a negative impact on biodiversity.
Promote methods of timber harvesting that minimise the disturbance to habitats and species.
Zone woodlands according to which, if any, recreational activities may be most suitable for them, minimising the disturbance to wildlife.
Key Significant
positive
++
Neutral 0 Mixed Effects+/-
Unknown?
Negative-
Significant negative--
SEA Objective 2: To avoid further blight in disadvantaged communities
Topic Evaluation Timeframe Duration Commentary
++/+/?/0/- /-- Short / medium / long Temporary / permanent Reducing greenhouse
gases emissions + Medium Permanent
Supporting the development of a biomass market will provide an economic opportunity for communities to establish related businesses and services. Helping communities, the
timber sector and the natural environment adapt to the changing climate ++ Short /medium Term Permanent
The role that trees play in maintaining the quality of urban environments through providing shelter etc. is recognised and this may help to create attractive, comfortable environments. Also exploring how new woodlands can help reduce the risk of flooding and reduce soil erosion may help to reduce negative environmental effects in disadvantaged communities.
Increasing and matching timber production and processing capacity
+ Medium Term Permanent
Ensuring that smaller timber processing facilities can operate on a sustainable footing, may help to secure local jobs for rural populations including
disadvantaged communities. Developing sustainable timber transport solutions + Short /medium Term Permanent
Cutting the overall distance of travel by promoting the use of local timber processing plants and spreading out the modes of transport and times that timber is transported may reduce the intensity of traffic and disruption caused to communities along these routes. This may help ensure disadvantaged communities do not suffer further through increased road traffic.
Supporting development of a market for woody biomass + Short /medium Term Permanent
Increasing the supply of woody biomass from existing woodland and linking relatively local sources of biomass with nearby sources of demand may lead to improved management of smaller woodlands whose management may have lapsed due to lack of demand. The creating of a new market and the provision of locally sourced biomass may also have economic benefits for disadvantaged communities.
Increasing the role of woodland in creating a high quality environment for economic investment and regeneration
++ Medium Term Permanent
This Objective and many of the Priority actions specifically address this SEA Objective. Using new planting to enhance derelict and degraded land and improve the quality of key investment locations is likely to directly benefit disadvantaged communities by reducing the distance people have to travel to access nature.
Improving degraded urban and urban fringe landscapes
++ Medium Term Permanent
Improving degraded urban and urban fringe environments is likely to have significant direct benefits for disadvantaged communities. Prioritising ‘Woodlands In and Around Towns’ Areas may also benefit disadvantaged communities.
Creating opportunities for active travel, recreation, education and training and healthy lifestyles
++ Medium Term Permanent
This objective is likely to have significant benefits for disadvantaged
communities creating opportunities for education and volunteering. This may enhance the employment opportunities for people in these communities. By creating recreational opportunities, people’s health and wellbeing may also be improved.
SEA Objective 2: To avoid further blight in disadvantaged communities
Topic Evaluation Timeframe Duration Commentary
planning, management and ownership
Term new skills to improve their area.
Reinforcing Ayrshire and Arran’s landscape
character and sense of place
+ Medium Term Permanent
Creating a distinctive sense of place and helping shape the identity of areas may help ensure that areas are not blighted further. Conserving historic designed landscapes and the historic environment may help to restore degraded environments back to their former glory.
Protect and enhance Ayrshire and Arran’s natural environment.
++ Medium Term Permanent
The priority action to establish new native woodlands in areas affected by mineral extraction and around urban fringes is likely to have a particularly beneficial effect on disadvantaged communities.
Overview
The expansion of woodland promoted by the FWS Objectives and Priority Actions is likely to have significant benefits for disadvantaged communities. The creation of biomass markets, the role that trees can play in improving the quality of the environment particularly on urban fringe, derelict and vacant land and the opportunities that trees and woodlands create for business, employment, education and volunteering will have particular benefits for disadvantaged communities. Impacts may start to be felt in the medium term and are likely to be permanent in nature.
The specific location of woodland will also help to determine the level of benefit that disadvantaged communities receive and the assessment of scenarios on the level of Future Forests provides a detailed assessment of this. In order for beneficial effects to be realised it is critical that new woodland planting is focused near to disadvantaged communities and derelict and degraded land.
SEA Objective 3: To promote and develop Green Network thinking
Topic Evaluation Timeframe Duration Commentary
++/+/?/0/- /-- Short / medium / long Temporary / permanent Reducing greenhouse
gases emissions ++ Medium term Permanent
Increasing woodland cover may directly benefit Green Networks. Woodlands multifunctional benefits are also promoted through the championing and development of woody biomass as a fuel source.
Helping communities, the timber sector and the natural environment adapt to the changing climate
++ Medium term Permanent
Establishing integrated habitat networks and promoting urban greening has the potential to contribute quite significantly to the development of the Green Network.
Increasing and matching timber production and processing capacity
0 - - This objective and actions are unlikely to have any significant effects on this SEA Objective.
Developing sustainable timber transport
solutions
+ Medium term Permanent
Reducing the use of certain roads, especially through settlements, for timber transport may benefit walkers and cyclists who use those routes improving the safety, and perception of safety, of routes for these groups.
Supporting development of a market for woody biomass
+ Medium term Permanent
Increasing the supply of woody biomass from existing woodland and linking relatively local sources of biomass with nearby sources of demand may lead to improved management of smaller woodlands whose management may have lapsed due to lack of demand. This may benefit the management of any woodland that formed part of the Green Network. Creating new areas of woodland for biomass may benefit the Green Network, especially if it is publically accessible or has access routes through it.
Increasing the role of woodland in creating a high quality environment for economic investment and regeneration
++ Medium term Permanent
This Objective and many of the specific actions will specifically address this SEA Objective. Promoting woodland recreation and rural diversification has the potential to significantly benefit the creation / expansion of the Green Network.
Improving degraded urban and urban fringe landscapes
++ Medium term Permanent
Improving degraded urban and urban fringe environments is likely to have significant direct benefits for the Green Network. Prioritising ‘Woodlands In and Around Towns’ Areas will be particularly beneficial in terms of linking communities with the surrounding countryside.
Creating opportunities for active travel, recreation, education and training and healthy lifestyles
++ Medium term Permanent
This objective is likely to have significant benefits for the management of the Green Network, by promoting volunteering and also promoting the use of the Green Network to improve people’s health and wellbeing through recreation.
Increasing community involvement in woodland planning, management and ownership
++ Medium term Permanent
This objective is likely to have significant benefits for Green Networks creating opportunities for volunteering which can be directed towards the management of the network. Green Networks also provide recreational opportunities, which will benefit local communities’ health and wellbeing.
Reinforcing Ayrshire and Arran’s landscape
character and sense of place
++ Medium term Permanent
Promoting woodland that makes a positive contribution to the area’s sense of place is likely to enhance the quality of the Green Network and it’s
functionality as a biodiversity corridor as native woodland species and
traditional forms of planting, which will benefit habitats and species, are likely to be promoted.
Protect and enhance Ayrshire and Arran’s natural environment.
++ Medium term Permanent
Many of the priority action are likely to promote Green Networks particularly the establishment of new native woodlands in areas affected by mineral extraction and around urban fringes.
Overview
The FWS Objectives and Priority Actions are likely to have a significant positive effect on promoting and developing Green Network thinking and cumulatively could make a significant difference to the area’s Green Network. The general expansion of woodland proposed in the FWS is a positive move for the Green Network but of particular benefit is the establishment of new woodlands (especially in and around towns), integrated habitat networks, the promotion of woodland recreation and rural diversification. Impacts may start to be felt in the medium term and are likely to be permanent in nature.
However, when new woodland is being established it will be vital that links are established to other publically accessible open space and footpaths / bridleways and that access rights to the new woodland are established in order to ensure the woodland’s full potential is exploited. The specific location of woodland will also help to determine the level of benefit to the Green Network and the assessment of scenarios on the level of Future Forests provides a more detailed assessment of this.
SEA Objective 4: To promote the health and wellbeing of people in Ayrshire and Arran
Topic Evaluation Timeframe Duration Commentary
++/+/?/0/- /-- Short / medium / long Temporary / permanent Reducing greenhouse gases emissions + Medium /long term Permanent
Promoting the use of timber in construction can lead to health benefits as well as helping to reduce GHG emissions. In its natural state timber is a low-allergen, low toxin material and it’s use can help to improve indoor environments. Using timber in buildings that are built to high standards of sustainability which are easy to heat and light will help improve the quality of life for those using the building.
Helping communities, the timber sector and the natural environment adapt to the changing climate
+ Medium term Permanent
Promoting the role of woodland in sustainable flood management and improving urban micro-climates will help improve the living environment for people which may benefit their wellbeing.
Increasing and matching timber production and processing capacity
+ Medium term Permanent
Facilitating the upgrading of timber processing facilities may help to improve the safety of those facilities and the overall working environment, benefitting employees.
Developing sustainable timber transport
solutions
++ Short –
medium term Permanent
Reducing the use of certain roads, especially through settlements, for timber transport may benefit walkers and cyclists who use those routes improving the safety, and perception of safety, of routes for these groups. This may remove one of the barriers that deters people from active travel and recreation which has significant health benefits. Reducing lorry traffic through settlements may also improve the wellbeing of residents of these settlements as noise pollution may be reduced.
Supporting development of a market for woody biomass
- Medium term Permanent
The increased use of woody biomass may, on a very localised scale, reduce air quality (particularly indoor air quality) which can cause significant respiratory problems, so efficient clean wood burners should be promoted and used to reduce the risk of indoor and localised air pollution.
SEA Objective 4: To promote the health and wellbeing of people in Ayrshire and Arran
Topic Evaluation Timeframe Duration Commentary
Increasing the role of woodland in creating a high quality environment for economic investment and regeneration
+ Short –
Medium Term Permanent
Promoting woodland recreation may directly benefit the health of local residents. Rural diversification and other economic investment that creates employment opportunities may have secondary benefits for peoples mental health and wellbeing.
Improving degraded