In recent months, Dumfries & Galloway Woodlands (DGW) has been working with Glasgow Space company Digital Content Analysis Technology (D-CAT) to start to explore how cutting-edge Earth Observation data and analytics can inform woodland management decisions in the South of Scotland.
This formed part of the SOSE Space Challenge, drawing expertise and activity in this growth sector into the region.
The three-month study focussed on three woodlands in the region: DGW’s Bennel Wood, Kilsture Forest and Caerlaverock Estate Woodlands.
A range of ‘use cases’ were considered through the project – exploring how earth observation data could be used to inform discussions on a wide range of parameters – from temperature and fire risk through to carbon sequestration and potential use with emerging biodiversity measurements.
The findings from this study were presented to project partners, including landowners in an event at Balmaclellan Smiddy on the 3rd of March.
Phil McLachlan, DCAT’s CEO, said:
“We’re grateful to South of Scotland Enterprise and the great team at Dumfries & Galloway Woodlands for this forward-looking collaboration. The study shows that satellite Earth Observation can provide trusted, scalable data needed to support woodland stewardship and unlock nature finance. Our recommendation is a pilot to establish a regional Woodland Intelligence capability, positioning Dumfries & Galloway and Scotland’s Natural Capital Innovation Zone at the forefront of data-driven natural capital management.”
McNabb Laurie, DGW Manager, added:
“A satellite can pass over a woodland in the South of Scotland every few days – it has been interesting to dip our toe into the water of what this new field can tell us and how it can inform woodland management decision-making.
This study has thrown up a range of potential uses and applications for Earth Observation data, and we are speaking further to D-CAT about applications for woodland managers in Dumfries & Galloway.
Our region is part of Scotland’s Natural Capital Innovation Zone, and we are the engine room of the UK’s Natural Capital revolution. It is fitting that we seek to be ambitious and innovative when considering applications of this technology. Many thanks to all at D-CAT for being great to work with on this, and thanks to SOSE for initiating the Space challenge.”
