Forest to bog restoration

Some forestry sites were previously planted on deep peat. We now know it is:

• important to maintain and protect deep peat (50cm depth or more) 
• not plant trees on deep peat

These sites are now a legacy of historical forest practices no longer used. 

They are reaching first rotation and now need to decide whether they should remain as woodland or be restored to peatland.

Management options for afforested deep peat

Restocking on deep peat sites may not be a suitable option. 

Different management options can be considered for afforested deep peat sites. 

Forest managers should consider the carbon impacts of the options. They should also consider things like:

• timber production
• biodiversity
• landscape

Woodland removal is defined as the permanent removal of woodland to convert to another land use. Forest to bog restoration is considered woodland removal.

To protect the unnecessary loss of woodland in Scotland, the Scottish Government has the Control of Woodland Removal Policy.

The Scottish Government's Policy on Control of Woodland Removal

A Felling Permission is also required from Scottish Forestry. 

How to apply to fell trees

A forest to bog restoration project may have permitted development status. However, Felling Permission and Control of Woodland Removal Policy still applies.

Restocking or restoration?

You should consider future management options carefully and evaluate whether to restock sites with trees or to restore to peatland. 

Deciding future management options for afforested deep peatland

Our guidance will help you assess key factors like the carbon balance and growth rates of a potential restock. The guidance also covers:

• priority habitats
• biodiversity
• hydrology
• Ecological Site Classification (ESC)

Regulatory processes and approvals

You should also consider regulatory processes and approvals. We recommend you read our Woodland Removal for Peatland Restoration guidance.

Woodland Removal for Peatland Restoration

The guidance outlines the regulatory approvals needed when felling a tree for a peatland restoration project. 

You should read this guidance alongside the Planning Circular 2/2015: non-domestic permitted development rights. 

Planning circular 2/2015: non-domestic permitted development rights (Scottish Government website)

The circular sets out the planning process in the context of statutory forestry approval for peatland restoration projects.

Guidance for peatland habitats

In addition, the Forestry Commission's Forest and Peatland Habitats Guidelines Note sets out forestry policy and practice in relation to peatland habitats. 

Forest and Peatland Habitats guidance note

This guidance focuses on blanket bogs and lowland raised bogs. 

It is advised to also refer to the more recent Supplementary Guidance to Support the FC Forests and Peatland Habitats Guideline Note. 

This also includes advice on peatland edge woodland.

Supplementary Guidance to Support the FC Forests and Peatland Habitats Guideline Note

Preparing a forest plan in Caithness or Sutherland

Guidance is also available on how to prepare a Forest Plan, with particular sensitivities to nearby designated (SAC/SPA/World Heritage) sites.

Guidance to Forest Managers preparing Forest Plans within the Caithness and Sutherland Peatlands SAC/SPA