Scotland’s forests are under increasing pressure from invasive pests and diseases. To safeguard both the health of our woodlands and the long-term resilience of the firewood sector, Sylva Foundation has joined forces with the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and Forest Research to investigate potential risks linked to the movement, processing, and trade of firewood across Scotland.
As part of this research, we’re inviting professionals across the forestry and firewood industries in Scotland to share their experiences. Whether you fell, process, supply, import, store, or move wood your insights are essential. By taking part in a short 7–12 minute survey, you can help identify practical ways to reduce the likelihood of introducing destructive pests such as the emerald ash borer, the larger eight-toothed European spruce bark beetle, and the bronze birch borer.
Why This Matters
Scotland has already felt the impact of serious tree diseases—most notably Dutch elm disease and ash dieback. These outbreaks have reshaped our landscapes and placed significant strain on woodland managers, communities, and the wider forestry sector. At the same time, several high-risk pests remain absent from the UK but pose a continued threat, particularly through the movement of untreated or poorly stored firewood.
This research aims to:
- Understand how firewood is sourced, stored, and transported across Scotland
- Identify potential weak points in the firewood supply chain where pests or diseases could be introduced
- Capture sector-wide views and experiences to help shape future support and guidance
- Strengthen the resilience of Scotland’s trees, forests, and the benefits they provide.
This project is funded by the Plant Health Centre Scotland and led by the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, working in partnership with Forest Research, Sylva Foundation, and Jaccountancy. Together we aim to ensure that any recommendations or future interventions are grounded in real industry practice.
Your contribution will help protect Scotland’s forests for generations to come. Thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge and experience.
Survey: https://defragroup.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_emUZaVnxdzUfdki
