Branching out into a new future for Scotland’s forests and woods
A major consultation will get underway ahead of Holyrood taking control of the nation’s forestry resources next spring
The future of Scotland’s forestry resources is the subject of a major consultation which runs for the next 10 weeks.
Responsibility for forestry is being transferred to Scottish ministers who have developed a draft strategy setting out a vision for the sector.
Launching the consultation at Newbattle Abbey College, Dalkeith, with forestry and rural skills students, Fergus Ewing, Cabinet Secretary for the Rural Economy, said: “In April next year, the forestry devolution process will have been completed and forestry in Scotland will begin a new chapter.
“Scottish Ministers will be fully accountable for forestry and two new forestry agencies will come into being. It is only fitting that we also establish a new, long-term vision for forestry that increases our woodland area and delivers more economic, social and environmental benefits while protecting and enhancing our forest resources so that they provide more benefits for more people in 50 to 100 years time.
“I would encourage everyone with an interest in the future of forestry to submit their views.”
The draft strategy, once finalised in 2019, will act as a 10 year framework for action, concentrating on three key areas: increasing the contribution of forests and woodlands to sustainable and inclusive economic growth, especially in rural communities, protecting and enhancing Scotland’s valuable natural assets, ensuring they are resilient and contribute to a healthy high quality environment, and ensuring that more people are empowered to use forests and woodlands to improve their health, well-being and life chances.
Earlier this year, opposition MSPS united to block plans to bring forestry under the direct control of the Scottish Government.
While Holyrood approved landmark legislation devolving control of the sector, which is worth almost £1 billion a year to Scotland, they also backed amendments requiring agencies to take over the work of the Forestry Commission.
The consultation is open online until 29 November.