forestry
Integrating trees network: a growing success
35 years. It far exceeded this target last year, planting in the region of 20,000 trees. Malcolm Morrison, Director of GMG Energy, said: “It has been our policy up until now to buy our raw materials on the open market, from established local suppliers, but this deal will ensure continuity of supply in an increasingly volatile environment. “Quintfall is just over 20 miles from our base of operation at Bighouse Farm, so it will not add to the road miles burden and the acquisition will chime with our wish to invest locally and provide a reliable resource for other local companies. “The purchase will not affect our ongoing planting programme, as replenishment is the key to sustainability, and we will continue to try to reduce our impact on the environment by not wasting any of the product with which we work.” At the same time as the Quintfall purchase, GMG
Energy has invested £150,000 in state-of-the-art sawmill equipment which takes its larger timber and processes it into posts, rail, cladding and purlins, or structural roof members. It also plans a spend of in the region of £100,000 on timber treatment equipment which will open up new markets among construction companies and farm businesses which require treated and stress-tested products. Carbon-aware GMG Energy is also investigating the possibility creating heat and steam from wood waste to turn a turbine in order to self-generate the electricity it uses and to further minimise its environmental impact. GMG Energy is sited at Bighouse, where Mr Morrison’s Sutherland-born mother still lives in the farmhouse. The company increased turnover in the year to August 2021 to just over £2 million, up from £1.7 million the previous year.
Farmers and crofters across Scotland have been sharing their experiences, warts and all, about growing trees as part of their businesses. The Integrating Trees Network is a farmer and crofter-led initiative supported by Scottish Forestry and the Scottish Government. Its aim is to build up a strong network of farm woodland demonstration sites across Scotland, with the hosts showcasing how growing trees have boosted their business. Sharing experiences and hearing from those who are actually doing it is all part of the ever growing Integrating Trees Network. The initiative has now run 13 virtual events and one on farm event with more on farm events in the coming months. Farming Networks Our fantastic farming hosts have shared their experiences and have produced a number of key practical messages for others who are thinking about growing trees. These are: • Understand your reasons for wanting to plant trees on your land and your business priorities;
but could still be suitable for planting trees; • Ask whether having trees on the farm will help diversify the nature of the business to become more adaptable, and in the future will it provide much needed shelter • Make sure you consider whether planting trees will complement your existing farm enterprises; and • Get going now, I wish I had done what I’m doing now 10 years ago. More details about our great host farmers can be found on the Integrating Trees Network website along with a wide range of resources. On farm events coming up Walking and Talking trees with Andrew Whiteford of Burnfoot Farm, Nr Sanquhar. Wednesday 20th July, 10am – 1pm Walking and Talking trees with Andrew Adamson of Netherurd Home Farm, Blyth Bridge, near West Linton, Peeblesshire. Wednesday 27th July, 10am – 1pm
• Do your research: evaluate your land and More info and booking monitor your farm to find details on the Integrating out what areas are under Trees Network website and www.farmingscotlandmagazine.com performing for livestock Eventbrite
