Adaptation efforts under way by Forestry and Land Scotland to help forests withstand future storms

FOREST adaptation has to be a focus for the sector in the coming years if damage from storms like Arwen is to be minimised, says Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS).

The storm, which battered the east coast and south of Scotland with winds of up to 100mph at the end of November, flattened around eight million trees and left many popular forests closed to the public for safety reasons.

Climate science indicates an increase in frequency of winter storms. With potential for some of those to be of similar strength to Storm Arwen, FLS is already working to adapt its forests to better withstand such events.

FLS chief executive Simon Hodgson said: "The damage to forests caused by Storm Arwen should be seen as a shot 'across the boughs', giving us notice of what we might have to contend with in the years to come as the climate changes.

"The Met Office headline for future climate prediction is 'a greater chance of warmer, wetter winters and hotter, drier summers'.

"Although we will be dealing with the impact of November's storm for months, and even years, to come, it is a timely reminder that we are right to pursue forest adaptation."

In places, wetter soils combined with wind gusts from frequent storms will make crops more vulnerable, particularly the large upland forests that were planted in the past.

Adaptive techniques include planting a greater mix of species to create a patchwork, helping to dissipate wind gusts and offer greater protection for the forest.

Trees are being planted at different stages of a forest's development to create variation in tree heights within a forest, also helping to dissipate gusts of wind.

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.