A strong demand for wood fuel means Aberdeenshire farmers are now reaping the rewards of trees planted 20 years ago under the Grampian Forest Challenge Fund.

Income from timber sales also has the advantage of being tax free

Scotland’s Farm Advisory Service (FAS) says yields are consistently higher than 50t/ha and net income can be as high as £20/t, or more in some cases. Income from timber sales also has the advantage of being tax free.

Sitka spruce has grown extremely fast thanks to the moist, fertile soils and long growing season.

To maximise the eventual crop of high-value sawlogs, thinning every 18-20 years is essential to open up the crop and remove poorer-quality trees.

To help farmers find out more about diversifying into new woodlands, or thinning and felling existing woodlands, FAS is holding a free event at the White Horse Hotel, Strichen, Aberdeenshire, on Wednesday 28 August, at 10.30am.