Meet the Consultant - David Eadie

I’m David Eadie, a Forestry Consultant based in our Ayr office. I support clients across the Southwest region and since joining SAC Consulting in 2018 I have successfully submitted 15 woodland creation schemes ranging size from 1 hectare to 90 hectares.  

I have worked in the forestry industry for over 15 years. After graduating with a BSc (Hons) in Forest Management in 2006, I began my career as a Works Supervisor with Central Scotland Forest Trust (now the Green Action Trust), covering North and South Lanarkshire, Falkirk and West Lothian. I worked closely with local authorities and private landowners, delivering woodland creation and landscape improvement projects. 

I was later promoted to Project Manager, where I led a range of forestry and path improvement schemes including my first woodland creation project: Lower Mosswater Native Woodland in Cumbernauld, commissioned by North Lanarkshire Council. Over eight years, I managed grant applications and on-the-ground delivery for woodland creation, harvesting, restocking, and urban greenspace development. 

During my time with the Trust, I did various tree harvesting works the most notable was at Kinneil Woods for Falkirk Community Trust in Bo’ness, I then supervised the restock (replanting) and subsequent maintenance. 

Path creation has been a regular part of my role throughout my career. One memorable project was at Drum Farm, where I managed the construction of a new whin dust path for Falkirk Council, linking into the wider local path network. I also delivered several challenging path upgrades for South Lanarkshire Council at Greenhall, Milheugh, and Barnhill Local Nature Reserve, which included both tree harvesting and construction works. Another major project was the improvement of 10 km of paths at Chatelherault Country Park. These schemes also involved successful grant applications to Scottish Forestry through the Woodlands In and Around Towns (WIAT) programme. 

While I’ve managed a wide variety of forestry projects, most of my current work focuses on new woodland creation - from initial concept and design through to implementation and maintenance. These range from small sites under 1 hectare to several active projects over 100 hectares. I handle the full process on behalf of clients: securing Forestry Grant Scheme funding, tendering the three key elements (fencing, ground preparation, and planting), and submitting claims once works are complete. I also typically oversee maintenance for up to five years, though some clients prefer to carry out the supervision work themselves. 

Beyond woodland creation, I support clients with a range of forestry services including Statutory Plant Health Notices, timber harvesting and marketing, Long-Term Forest Plans, and site supervision. I’m also regularly asked to manage standing sales, where timber crops are sold while still growing. 

I have particular expertise in areas where forestry intersects with climate, biodiversity, and the wider natural economy - helping land managers integrate woodland creation into broader environmental goals. 

Outside of work, I enjoy military and natural history. 

David Eadie, Forestry Consultant, David.Eadie@sac.co.uk 

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Posted by Unearthed News on 16/07/2025