Community / Tree planting help on offer from the amenity trust
SCHOOLS, community groups, businesses and landowners are being encouraged join to Shetland Amenity Trust’s (SAT) efforts in biodiversity restoration and climate resilience through tree planting.
SAT said it has long advocated for biodiversity conservation across Shetland, “nurturing native species and endemic plants at its fully accredited and recently expanded horticultural unit”.
Since 2023 the trust has increased its capacity to grow around 45,000 saplings annually, responding to a growing demand for native trees in Shetland.
Natural heritage manager Mhari McLeman said planting tree is “about more than just filling landscapes”.
“It’s about protecting our heritage, creating habitats for wildlife, and building resilience against climate change,” she added.
“By planting native species grown from locally sourced seeds, we can preserve Shetland’s genetic heritage while ensuring high success rates for new woodlands.”
The trust said tree planting helps to stabilise landscapes to fostering habitats for local wildlife, native trees play a vital role in reversing biodiversity loss.
Beyond their ecological value, woodlands provide carbon capture, improve soil quality, and contribute to the islands’ climate resilience, the trust added.
To help the public get involved, SAT offers a variety of tailored schemes and support options, some working in partnership with the Woodland Trust.
In partnership with Woodland Trust Scotland, SAT provides free tree packs of up to 400 saplings to schools and community groups.
Locally grown for Shetland’s environment, these trees are described as a perfect starting point for small-scale community woodland projects.
Applications are open until 20 December, with trees delivered in spring 2025.
Land managers, crofter landowners and crofters interested in creating native woodlands can benefit from SAT’s expertise.
Through the Woodland Trust’s MOREwoods scheme, land managers can access up to 60 per cent funding for small-scale woodland projects.
SAT also offers advice and assistance to applications to the forestry grant scheme, for larger developments.
It assists with site assessments and planting plans, and will guide recipients in selecting suitable species and provide planting and care advice.
For developers, SAT also provides in support in meeting biodiversity enhancement requirements under the fourth national planning framework (NPF4).
By incorporating native trees into projects, developers can ensure compliance with regulations while contributing meaningfully to Shetland’s ecological restoration.
To enquire about applying for free tree packs or for advice and support on land management, woodland creation or developer projects, people are asked to contact SAT’s woodlands team on woodlands@shetlandamenity.org.
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