Forestry
Forestry is now a big industry, and tree-planting has significant government support. We help individuals and organisations in and around the industry.

Forestry is widely recognised as an important part of the battle against climate change. We are highly experienced in helping clients in and around the industry: individuals, investment and pension funds, partnerships, and charities. Working closely with experts in other teams around the firm – such as Private Wealth & Tax, Renewables and Carbon – we provide the specialised support these clients need.

Our service extends across the UK, and we can advise on the important differences between the legal frameworks in Scotland and England & Wales.

A few examples of the matters we can help with:

The sale of purchase of property to be used for planting
The transfer of existing forestry and forest portfolios
Advising forest owners in negotiating contracts with renewable energy developers, including option agreements, compensatory tree planting, servitudes, leases and clawback agreements
Negotiating sporting arrangements for deer control
Assisting with management services agreements and tree supply agreements
The interaction of forestry and carbon credits (from both woodland and peatland)
Ongoing management works in relation to projects on timber haul roads, leases, boundary disputes and third party service agreements

Meet our key contacts

Stuart Greenwood

Partner

Richard Leslie

Partner

Meet our full team

Emma De Sailly

Senior Associate

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Gillian Gibbons

Director

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Elaine Hunter

Partner

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Alison Rochester

Partner

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Tom Swan

Partner

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Related articles and insights: Forestry

13 November 2024

Health and safety in the forestry industry

Contributor: Kevin Clancy

Working in the forestry industry carries inherent risks, but there are measures that can be taken to mitigate these and increase safety for workers in the sector.

12 November 2024

Green burials. The most environmentally friendly option – until it isn’t.

Contributor: Stephanie Hepburn

As green burials become increasingly popular in Scotland as an eco-friendly alternative, addressing practical considerations is essential to minimise potential disputes.

11 November 2024

Tree felling permissions and considerations

Contributor: Stephanie Hepburn

In order to fell a tree, there are two key considerations: tree felling permissions and title conditions which prevent tree felling.

12 February 2024

Natural Capital and ESG in the Rural Market

Contributor: Hamish Lean

In this article, Mairead MacDonald and Hamish Lean provide an overview of the rising investment in natural capital in the rural market and the opportunities this provides for rural landowners and investors.

13 November 2023

The next steps in land reform: Agriculture and climate change

Contributor: Fiona Taylor

The upcoming Agricultural and Rural Communities (Scotland) Bill brings with it new changes and potential impacts on the rural, crofting, and farming community.

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