Managing for dynamic coastal change at Tentsmuir Forest
The case study on "Managing for dynamic coastal change at Tentsmuir Forest" describes how this coastal forest in Scotland is adapting to the impacts of climate change, particularly sea level rise, increased winter rainfall, and coastal erosion. Tentsmuir Forest, managed by Forestry and Land Scotland, spans 1,500 hectares and includes a variety of tree species, primarily Scots pine, Corsican pine, Sitka spruce, and birch, with adjacent nature reserves and sand dunes managed by NatureScot. Its management objectives focus on timber production, biodiversity, recreation, and protecting the sensitive nearby nature reserve.
The region faces significant climate change risks such as coastal erosion, saltwater intrusion, flooding, wind damage, and waterlogging, intensified by sea level rise (potentially up to 91 cm by 2100 under high emissions) and increased rainfall. These changes threaten forest stability, with issues like windblow from storms, drought crack in trees, and disease (DNB). Vulnerabilities include low elevation (1–10 m), waterlogging, and soil erosion, which impact tree health and stand productivity.
To address these challenges, the management involves ongoing measures such as drainage maintenance, engineering solutions to prevent saltwater backflow, and habitat restoration. There is a focus on promoting resilient tree species that can withstand wind, salt, and water fluctuations, as well as adjusting management practices like thinning to reduce windthrow risk and controlling disease spread. Areas affected by windblow are being cleared and replanted with windfirm species, including encouraging birch understories, while less suitable stands like Sitka spruce affected by drought are harvested for alternative markets.
Monitoring tools, like LiDAR and hydrology modelling, are being utilized to better understand elevation changes, flood, and drought risks, allowing for targeted interventions and informed decision-making. Lessons from wider projects, such as nature-based solutions in nearby estuaries, are informing future strategies. The site’s future management includes adapting species composition based on elevation and wetness, such as planting willows, alders, or spruce in wetter areas, and continuing to promote continuous cover forestry to reduce drought effects on young trees. The land management plan is under review to incorporate ongoing climate change impacts, ensuring the forest can continue providing timber, recreation, and biodiversity while adapting to environmental change.
[https://cdn.forestresearch.gov.uk/2023/11/Managing-for-dynamic-coastal-change-at-Tentsmuir-Forest.pdf Managing for dynamic coastal change
at Tentsmuir Forest] (en)
Number of pages: 3
Target countries: Scotland, United Kingdom
Key takeaways
- Coastal and low-elevation location increases climate change vulnerabilities
- Tentsmuir Forest's position at 1–10 m above sea level and dynamic coastline make it highly susceptible to sea level rise, erosion, saltwater intrusion, and flooding, necessitating targeted resilience measures.
- Management is focusing on adaptive strategies to enhance resilience
- Efforts include species selection for windfirm and salt-tolerant plants, drainage improvements, and restoring or managing stands to mitigate windthrow, Dothistroma Needle Blight, and hydrological risks.
- Monitoring and technological assessments are critical for informed decision-making
- Utilizing data sources such as LiDAR and hydrology modelling will help evaluate small elevation changes and flood risks, supporting proactive adjustments to forest management plans.
- Future management plans will shift toward flexible, site-specific practices
- Plans include managing higher elevation sites with Scots pine and birch, restoring wetlands with willow or alder, and adopting continuous cover forestry to reduce desiccation and enhance habitat resilience.
- Collaborative, nature-based solutions are being trialed to improve coastal resilience
- Partnerships involving NatureScot, St Andrews University, and other agencies are testing innovative approaches to storm, erosion, and sea level rise adaptation that could inform future wider implementation.
Sources
- Managing for dynamic coastal change
at Tentsmuir Forest - - https://cdn.forestresearch.gov.uk/2023/11/Managing-for-dynamic-coastal-change-at-Tentsmuir-Forest.pdf
