Thursday June 12th 2025
New appointment, Jane Gibson
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
Jane Gibson has been tasked with helping river woodland creation and restoration in the region as part of the Scotland-wide Riverwoods Blueprint Project.
Planting the right trees in the right riverside locations at the right scale can unlock a host of environmental benefits from reducing soil erosion and slowing flood waters to improving water quality, capturing carbon and enhancing the landscape.
River woodland planting is also one of the most effective tools for protecting fish from the effects of climate change and habitat degradation and will be vital for the future of the salmon in the Tweed’s world-renowned fishery.
As temperatures rise, the leaves of the trees will provide shade to help cool the waters and reduce fish distress. The trees will also enhance biodiversity and support populations of the invertebrates that feed young salmon and trout.
Jane brings a strong background in environmental and forestry work. Raised in the Borders, she holds a BSc in Environmental Resource Management and a Postgraduate certificate in Forestry.
Her previous roles include working with Scottish Forestry and the Argyll and The Isles Coast and Countryside Trust. In her new position, she will collaborate with landowners, farmers and communities to expand river woodlands and contribute to a range of river restoration, wetland creation and educational initiatives.
Her post is funded by Tweed Forum, the River Tweed Commission and the Riverwoods Blueprint Project, which is led by the Scottish Wildlife Trust and made possible by the National Lottery Heritage Fund thanks to National Lottery Players.
Tweed Forum CEO, Luke Comins said; “We’re delighted to welcome Jane to the team at such a critical time for the river and its fishery. Her experience and passion for the environment make her ideally suited to help drive forward our ambitious riverside woodland creation goals and ensure that they have a meaningful impact right across the Tweed catchment.”
Nicole Still, Riverwoods project manager at the Scottish Wildlife Trust, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Jane to the Riverwoods Blueprint Project team. Her work in the Tweed catchment will demonstrate how to practically deliver impactful, community-led river woodland creation at catchment scale, inspiring others to carry out similar work, and playing an important role in informing our national blueprint for river woodland recovery across Scotland.”
Jamie Stewart, Tweed Foundation director, said; “This role, jointly funded by the River Tweed Commission, Tweed Forum and the Riverwoods Blueprint Project, is a great example of what can be achieved when resources and expertise are combined. Using data from the Tweed Foundation’s Sustainable Rivers Audit, we’re able to target tree planting where it matters most—for fish, water quality, and climate resilience. It’s a practical, science-led approach that will make a lasting difference to the river and its future. Together, we’re combining local knowledge and a shared ambition to protect one of Scotland’s most iconic river systems.”
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