As a riparian woodland champion for Woodland Trust, Rachael Hamilton MSP was delighted to visit Pease Dean reserve near Coldingham to see an ancient riparian woodland.
Pease Dean is a beautiful, ancient semi-natural woodland which is co-hosted by Woodland Trust and Scottish Wildlife Trust who showed the MSP around the site and discussed some of the challenges and opportunities for riparian woodland and some of the projects that focus on delivery in the region.
Riparian woodland are vital, particularly in the Scottish Borders, given their importance for salmon and brown trout as riparian shade helps maintain suitable freshwater habitats for biological communities at risk from the effects of climate change.
As Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands, this visit was particularly pertinent to understand how native woodland can be mobilised in our efforts to reach Net Zero targets.
Rachael Hamilton said:
“Riparian woodland is vital in our fight against climate change and I am delighted to be a Woodland Trust Champion for this wonderful habit.
“It was fantastic to join the Woodland Trust and Scottish Wildlife Trust to visit Pease Dean Reserve. It is a real showcase for riparian woodland alongside an abundance of other flora and fauna. I would recommend everyone to enjoy this wonderful natural landscape right on our doorstep.
“This was a useful chance to discuss the opportunities and challenges for riparian woodland going forward, and I will be carefully considering how we can support this crucial native habit in policy going forward.”