Trees cut down in Scotland to facilitate wind farm developments: EIR release

Information requested

Please could you tell me how many trees in Scotland have been cut down to facilitate wind farm developments?

Response

We have treated your request for information under the Environmental Information Scotland Regulations 2004 (EIR).

Our response to your request is in relation to land managed by Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS); an Agency of the Scottish Government. It is important to note that there may be land owned privately which may have wind farm developments on it. There are currently 24 windfarms in operation on FLS managed land with 3 currently in construction. Full details can be found on our website using the following link: Renewables - Forestry and Land Scotland

The current total figure we have for trees which have been felled as part of a consented windfarm development since the year 2000 is 17,005,100. This is based on a figure of 8,503Ha, using an average number of trees per hectare of 2000. It is important to also note that the majority of this figure is commercial forestry, which would have been felled at the end of the rotation. FLS is not responsible for compensatory planting as a result of windfarm felling. This is a matter between the planning authority and the developer.

About FOI

The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at http://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.