Forest Carbon | Lauder Common

About this project

The woodland will provide important biodiversity benefits such as improving habitat linkage across the surrounding area. The common land is a potential local biodiversity site, important for moorland bird assemblages of black grouse, red grouse, short-eared owl, curlew and snipe. The woodland will improve the landscape overall and provide community recreational space.

Lauder Common area rises from 180m at the town of Lauder, up to 370m at the highest point. The planting compartments are spread throughout the common area and rise from 190m to 240m. The planting is designed to fit with current sheep grazing land use, and the design protects natural watercourses from the effects of livestock poaching and siltation.

Habitat Linkage

This project links habitats previously separated by productive land or land less hospitable to wildlife.

Biodiversity uplift

This project was developed to increase the amount, and variety, of flora and fauna species in the area. In particular, moorland bird assemblages of black grouse, red grouse, short-eared owl, curlew and snipe.

Community benefits

The design fits with the Scottish Borders Woodland Strategy, in particular the goals of expanding and diversifying the woodland resource, protecting and enhancing the landscape, and contributing to quality of life, connecting people and communities to woodlands.

Species Mix

Scots Pine
Norway Spruce
Alder
Grey Willow
Oak
Hazel
Aspen
Bird Cherry
Blackthorn
Birch
Rowan
Holly
Hawthorn

Forest Carbon at Lauder Common

32,164 trees

22.7 hectares

Spring 2021

7,758 tonnes CO2