SSEN Transmission, the transmission network operator, is calling on interested landowners in the Western Isles to participate in an initiative to plant over 40 acres of new woodland.

This environmental commitment is part of the ongoing project to replace the 132kV overhead line from Harris to Stornoway.

The new woodland will compensate for trees removed to make way for the 60km overhead line, which is designed to replace the existing infrastructure from 1990, thereby reducing power outages and bolstering energy security across the Western Isles. SSEN Transmission is offering funding to support the establishment and management of these new woodlands.

Work on the overhead line project is progressing well, with over 115 poles already erected and completion anticipated next year. Recent activities have included helicopter operations for positioning poles, blocks, and overhead line fittings, as well as the erection of scaffolds near the A859 at Tarbert for the safe removal of the old line and installation of new wiring.

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This compensatory tree planting aligns with SSEN Transmission's broader commitment to achieving no net loss of woodland on its projects. More significantly, the company aims to deliver biodiversity net gain on all new ventures and plans to invest at least £100 million in nature restoration as part of its efforts to upgrade the north of Scotland's electricity transmission network. This includes over 5,000 hectares of land and marine initiatives, positioning SSEN Transmission as the largest single investor in nature restoration in Scotland.

Calum Murray, Senior Forestry Manager with SSEN Transmission, explained the programme: "As part of our commitment to replace trees that have been removed along the route of the new overhead line, we want to work with landowners to create over 40 acres of new woodland in Lewis and Harris. This could be a single new woodland or a combination of smaller woodlands at two acres or larger, and we can offer an attractive package of funding to help establish and manage the woodland."

Murray added that SSEN Transmission will support initial land assessments, assist landowners in gaining necessary consents for planting, and connect them with contractors or experts. The company will also provide support visits throughout the establishment phase. The scheme is open to individual landowners, community groups with land, or tenants and crofters who have their landlord's support. "We urge any individuals or groups with an interest in establishing woodland on their land to get in touch with us," Murray concluded.