– 60 replacement trees will be planted at Forss Road –
– Expanded restoration programme will see new hardwood trees planted on a two-for-one basis, resulting in 60 replacement trees –
SSE has outlined further details of tree removal works commencing next week along Forss Road in Thurso, Caithness, as well as a planned tree restoration programme which will be undertaken in the same area next spring.
This expanded hardwood tree replanting programme will see SSE Renewables replacing any trees to be removed on a two-for-one basis. This will result in the planting of at least 60 replacement trees, equivalent to double the number of trees being removed. The new trees will be of the same broad-leaf species as those being cleared. A number of the trees being removed have already been identified as being in a state of decline.
Tree removal along Forss Road is necessary to facilitate the upcoming delivery of wind turbine components via the A836 to the Strathy South Wind Farm construction site south of Sutherland.
From next Monday 20 October, works to remove 26 trees along a stretch of woodland neighbouring Forss Road will begin.
A traffic management plan has been agreed in consultation with The Highland Council and will be in place for the duration of the works to ensure the safety of local road users and workers.
The works are expected to last a few weeks and are targeting completion by 30 November.
A replacement hardwood tree planting programme will take place in spring 2026. SSE Renewables plans to replace all removed trees on a two-for-one basis, double the number of trees being removed, subject to landowner confirmations. Planting will be undertaken principally in the grounds of Forss House Hotel, as well as along the roadside edge of Forss Wood alongside the A836.
Once completed, the planting programme will result in a larger number of trees in the woodland area, representing a net gain in local biodiversity and enhancing the woodland area for future community amenity.
Michael Scott, Strathy South Project Manager at SSE Renewables said:
“We’re pleased to be able to provide further details on our plans to restore trees next spring to the woodland area along Forss Road. Thanks to our ongoing engagement with the local community and key stakeholders, we will be able to replant any trees we need to remove with healthy hardwood specimens on a two-for-one basis.
“By doubling the number of hardwood trees in this stretch of area, we will leave a positive legacy for the community and for future generations. We would like to express our thanks to local landowners, public representatives, and The Highland Council for their assistance in the development of these expanded replanting plans.”
Planned tree works and replanting have been informed and agreed following extensive and detailed arboricultural and environmental surveys conducted over the last 18 months. This extensive survey work has resulted in appropriate environmental mitigation being put in place and has helped ensure the final number of trees to be removed has been strictly limited.
Delivery of turbine components to Strathy South will be conducted in due course by a specialist blade delivery contractor and under police escort in line with standard practice. Advance notice will be provided to the community and key stakeholders prior to delivery to minimise inconvenience to local road users.