Established in Lochaber since February 2003, we have completed a wide variety of contracts for clients such as the Sunart Oakwoods Initiative, Forestry Commission Scotland, Alcan, Tilhill, Bidwells, Glen Tanar Estate, Hydroplan and the National Trust for Scotland.

In the period since January 2006 the business has:

Played a major role in project management for the Sgilean na Coille trans-national rural development project, and has more recently been developing a business plan for the SOI Training Network as well as continue with an ongoing project management role(www.sgileannacoille.org.uk) Been contracted to manage and administer the 'Sunart Woodlands Scheme' on behalf of Scottish Natural Heritage (http://www.snh.org.uk/) and Forestry Commission Scotland (www.forestry.gov.uk/scotland). This is a 'Natural Care' scheme which exemplifies SNH and FCS working together 'On The Ground'. Played a significant role in ensuring that over 500 000 native trees were planted in newly created woodlands in the West Highlands Played a continuing role in local delivery of land-based skills in collaboration with the SOI Training Network and Lochaber College/UHI (http://www.lochabercollege.co.uk/)

Sgilean na Coille End of Project Report
Click to download report as PDF

Survey and compliance inspection of all Crofter Forestry WGS/SFGS Schemes in the Western Isles for Forestry Commission Scotland and to inform the development of a Forestry Strategy by the Western Isles Council (2003).

Laying out fence-lines and compartment boundaries, and liaising with machine operators and tree planters to ensure successful completion of a challenging 200+ ha native woodland planting scheme on Torloisk Estate, N.W. Mull (2006)

Research into prescribed burning in native pinewoods as part of the Capercaille LIFE project (2003-2006)
Click to download IFFN paper as PDF

Preparation of guidelines on the ‘fire sensitivity of habitats and species of conservation interest in relation to prescribed burning’ with SNH and Glen Tanar Estate. (2004)

Herbivore impact assessment and tree regeneration monitoring for the landscape-scale Kinlochleven Native Woodland Establishment scheme (Bidwells /Alcan Highland Estates 2004-2006).

Laying out compartments and liaising with mounding contractors and tree planters for the Kinlochleven Native Woodland Establishment scheme (Bidwells /Alcan Highland Estates 2004-2005).

Survey of the success of LIFE funded Rhododendron removal on WGS Schemes in Ardnamurchan for Forestry Commission Scotland (2005).

Various: Woodland condition surveys – vegetation surveys – beat-up surveys- regen surveys – stocking surveys - management plans – grant applications – GIS mapping – forest plans – fixed point photographs.


Praise for the Sgilean na Coille project 2004-2006 (www.sgileannacoille.org.uk)

"This has been a thoroughly positive, dynamic, forward-looking, friendly, and, above all, successful project. Working with project and agency staff, funding bodies and community representatives from both countries has been highly satisfying and a great pleasure. We hope and expect that the bonds made and benefits accrued will continue for many years to come."

Donald Kennedy and Sheila Nairn (Co Chairpeople)


Praise for advisory work and mapping in relation to fuel load estimation and wildfire risk assessment, Mar Lodge Estate (National Trust for Scotland) (Autumn 2006)

"The report is here safe and well and provides just the sort of information we were wanting. Many thanks for your input to this project. It seems a job, well done. Thanks"

Chris Hewitt, Property Manager - Mar Lodge Estate

Gary Servant has worked in the forestry, ecology and land management sectors for nine years, since graduating from the Plant and Soil Science department of Aberdeen University in 1998. As well as a strong academic background, he has wide ranging hands-on practical experience in all these fields, as well as considerable experience of business and project management, training delivery, partnership working and community consultation and engagement.

Gareth Marshall graduated from the University of Edinburgh with a B.Sc. Honours in Biological Sciences with Ecology in 2006. This allowed him to study a broad range of subjects including natural resource management, soil, water and atmospheric processes, applied ecological and environmental management, conservation, plant evolution and ecology, and ecological modelling. His Honours project (which focused on field margin structure and invertebrate communities) was published in the proceedings of the Association of Applied Biologists in Spring 2007. Since graduation Gareth has also gained practical experience of conservation work in the West Highlands through volunteering on the Isle of Canna Seabird Enhancement Project, and by helping with Sea Eagle chick tagging on Rum and Canna.

Publications:
Servant, G., Gallinaro, N. and Willis, J. (2006). Rekindling a woodland culture – Recupero della cultura forestale. A Leader+ cooperation project between rural communities in Italy and Scotland. IUFRO Proceedings of the Firenze Conference on the Role of Traditional Forest Knowledge. Click to Download PDF

Servant, G. (2005). Review of ‘Wilderness: Earth’s Last Wild Places’ by R. Mittermeier et al in the Native Woodland Discussion Group Newsletter Spring 2005 edition

Bruce, M. and Servant, G. (2003). Fire and pinewood ecology research at Glen Tanar Estate, Aberdeenshire. International Forest Fire News (Autumn 2004). Click to download IFFN report as PDF

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