One of the largest woodland creation schemes in the north of Scotland is set to take place on the south side of Loch Ness – thanks to the Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP).

The Ardochy New Woodland, near Whitebridge, will create 600 acres (243ha) of new native woodland and 200 acres (78ha) of productive conifer woodland – a combined area equal to about 323 international rugby pitches. 

The new woodland will see around 450,000 trees planted, which as well as producing timber for woodfuel and for use in the construction industry, will soak up around 130,000 tonnes of CO2 over a period of 50 years.

Environment Minister Roseanna Cunningham says: “The Scottish Government is committed to supporting the creation of new woodland across the country and a recent increase in grant rates has resulted in a surge in applications to establish new native woodlands in the north of Scotland. 

“This is great news and an excellent example of how the Scotland Rural Development Programme is working to deliver environmental, social and economic benefits across the country.

“Every new woodland will capture more carbon and help to tackle the impact of climate change, while at the same time increasing the rate of timber and biomass fuel production. And let’s not forget the contribution that these projects – and the new woodlands - will make to sustaining the forestry and timber sectors across the region.”

The project was supported by a £1M grant awarded through the Rural Development Contract (RDC) – Rural Priorities element of SRDP, which is administered by Forestry Commission Scotland. 

The owner, Jeremy Finnis, comments: "We are pleased that our proposal for a new woodland at Ardochy has been supported under the Scotland Rural Development Programme. It will enhance the attractiveness of this already beautiful area with the proposed mosaic of native tree planting and areas for Black Grouse and other wildlife to thrive. It will also provide both short- and long-term job opportunities for this part of the Highlands."

Chartered Forester Adam Ritchie, whose firm Ritchie Forestry prepared the plans added: "It is good news that we have captured so many benefits with this woodland creation scheme whilst also managing a very high level of carbon lock-up through planting commercial conifer crops on the best quality soils and using improved stock. This will allow a broader range of options for future management."

Land owners across the Highlands are at the forefront of native woodland creation. Rural Development Contracts have helped establish around 3,300ha of new woodland - an area twice the size of Inverness - in Highland region since April 2008.

Some of the other projects include Altnaharra Estate (110ha of native woodland), Tomcrasky (171ha native woodland), Inverwick biodiversity enhancement (73ha of native woodland) and Caplich Woods (101ha of Native Birchwood Woodland). 

Visit www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/farmingrural/SRDP for more information on SRDP and Rural Development Contracts.