Client: Gresham House
Location: Scottish Borders
Secto: Silviculture & Ecology
Duration: 12 Weeks
Project Area: 399.5 ha
Services: Habitat Assessments & Woodland Design Support
Euroforest was appointed to undertake specialist butterfly surveys across a 399.5-hectare afforestation site in the Scottish Borders. Working on behalf of Gresham, our ecology team gathered detailed ecological data to inform the woodland design, ensuring it balanced commercial forestry objectives with the protection of sensitive habitats and species.
The surveys built upon previous ecological work, providing the evidence needed to refine the silviculture design while meeting stakeholder and environmental requirements.
Habitat surveys identified areas of species-rich calcareous grassland supporting common rock-rose, the sole food plant of the Northern Brown Argus butterfly—a species listed as vulnerable and requiring careful consideration during woodland creation. The project required detailed ecological assessment to protect existing populations while supporting the delivery of a successful afforestation scheme.
Euroforest carried out targeted butterfly egg count surveys alongside wider habitat and ecological assessments across the site. Suitable habitat was identified and mapped before weekly monitoring visits were undertaken throughout the survey season.
To build a complete picture of the site's biodiversity, our team also completed butterfly transects and recorded additional ecological features, including badger setts, breeding bird nests, evidence of mammals and other valuable habitat features. The findings were used to provide practical recommendations that informed the final woodland design.
The ecological surveys provided the information needed to refine the afforestation design, helping to safeguard Northern Brown Argus populations and other important habitats while supporting sustainable woodland creation.
By combining ecological expertise with practical forestry knowledge, Euroforest helped deliver a woodland design that met environmental requirements, supported biodiversity and satisfied stakeholder expectations.
Our ecology specialists work alongside clients to ensure woodland creation projects are informed by robust ecological data, helping protect priority species while delivering practical, sustainable forestry solutions.
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