Description of project:
The project involved forestry clearance operations, around Fort Augustus in the Highlands, which commenced prior to the installation of a new 132kv Overhead Line Trident Wood pole installation.
Scottish Woodlands were engaged as the Principal Contractor by SSEN on our long running framework contract, to carry out the operations under CDM management to ensure that key target dates where achieved to meet project requirements.
The project is a key element to the SSEN Transmission infrastructure, to ensure a reliable network was established that provides a suitable feed to the Isle of Skye from the newly upgraded Fort Augustus Sub Station.
The project involved 19 ha of commercial Harvesting of mature standing timber, 18 ha of Mulching of immature timber crops and 3 ha of associated Arboriculture operations surrounding water courses and steep ground operations.
Objectives for project:
One of the key aspects of the project was to ensure that forestry works were delivered ahead of construction, the timeline of operations were planned to accommodate the deadlines for critical powerline shutdowns.
Scottish Woodlands ensured that all target delivery dates for the programme were successfully achieved by allocation of the correct resources and working in collaboration with the Norpower Team.
- Community Engagement
- 3rd Party landowner Liaison
- Environmental Compliance
- Wayleave Design Management
- Timber Dispatch
- Safety and Exclusion Zone Management
- Project Programme Milestone Dates
Comments:
Scottish Woodlands achieved all project target dates as required working with the SSEN Project Team and the Norpower Construction Team to meet required deadlines.
The project involved difficult steep ground working surrounding water courses that were part of the local communities’ private water supply. There were no accidents or incidents reported throughout this project.
The timber haulage operations were carried out utilising the Forestry Commission road network in Inchnacardoch forest to minimise HGV movements through the village of Auchterawe and Fort Augustus.
The wayleave design for the new powerline was mitigated to remove commercial species but retain broadleaved species where possible to provide a “soft edge” to the corridor to meet landscape design commitments as part of the planning regulations. This was important as parts of the forest is dedicated ancient woodland and we ensured promotion of retaining trees was briefed and adhered to throughout the duration of the project.
Scottish Woodlands ensured throughout the works that all timber was harvested where possible and provided to local markets.
Scottish Woodlands provided all project resources from start to finish, including:
- Site Marking
- CDM Site Management and Documentation
- Full Site-Specific Risk Assessments and Method Statements
- Site Inductions
- Supply of Purpose Built Forestry Machinery
- Specialist Winch Set ups
- Fully Trained and experienced Operators and Site Staff
- Environmental Management
- Timber Marketing
- Fencing Operations
- Compliance Worksite Inspections and IMS Internal Audit
See Utilities Division for further information
