New Project Officer for BIFF

Since then he has mainly worked in the forestry industry. He has a wide and varied experience of forest planning and establishment, including the practical side of fencing, planting, spraying etc. He has a keen interest in green energy and thinks it is important to make the best of the resources best available to fit local needs and markets wherever possible.

Gregor told Comment: “I am certainly grateful for this opportunity and feel this is an exciting time to become part of the team”

He added: “The introduction of the Rural Development Contracts is likely to open many doors to further integrate farming and forestry and lead to increased land management and efficiency and become more profitable as a result.”

As a ‘baptism of fire’, Gregor has been working closely with the Forestry Commission to organise a conference on bio-energy at the Atholl Palace Hotel in Pitlochry on the 1 November. Bio fuels/energy has huge potential and is now well recognised but still under-utilised. This event provides a great opportunity to find out more information from experts in the field and to gain practical knowledge from others that have already gone down this route.

Please get in touch if you would like to attend as numbers are limited - contact Gregor on 01738 602086, 07810 814370 or gregthexton@forestry.gsi.gov.uk