a NET loss of 3.4n trees resulting from Scottish wind farm developments since 2007 is a tragedy ("5m trees felled for wind farms", The Herald, January 2).
While replacing fossil fuels with greener renewable energy is broadly welcome, a case-by-case approach to such initiatives is needed. Extensive compensatory tree planting is crucial, and we must also protect our special wild places and remarkable biodiversity.
In Scotland, we have both the space to plant huge numbers of trees and many opportunities for people and firms to get involved with ensuring a renaissance for our beleaguered forests. Our own project, for example, is restoring the ancient Caledonian Forest following a legacy of centuries of deforestation. Thanks to thousands of volunteers, we have already planted 1m native trees and are now working to establish 1m more by 2018.
Alan Watson Featherstone,
Executive director, Trees for Life,
The Park, Findhorn Bay, Forres.
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