The Strategy

The Aberdeenshire Forestry and Woodland Strategy 2016 (‘the Strategy’) is one of a series of Supplementary Guidance documents prepared to support the Aberdeenshire Local Development Plan (LDP) 2016. It provides further information on the relevant policies set out in the LDP and how to apply them. The Strategy also reflects national policy and is closely aligned to the Scottish Forestry Strategy. It replaces the ‘Forest and Woodland Strategy for Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen City’ produced in 2005.

Based on extensive input from a wide range of stakeholders, the Strategy presents the key issues and opportunities in relation to forestry and woodlands in the region. In doing so it aims to inform the location, design and management of these highly valued features of our lives and landscapes. It covers both ‘rural’ and ‘urban’ issues and focusses strongly on integration between different land uses.

The Strategy’s vision is that:

The forestry and woodlands of the Aberdeenshire Local Development Plan area are resilient to the effects of climate change, protect and enhance the environment, habitats, species and local culture, benefit and support the local and national economy and are valued and enjoyed by people, both residents and visitors.

The Strategy is split into themed sections within which the key issues and opportunities in relation to its 10 aims are outlined.

Theme 1 Climate Change and Tree Health aims to:

• Aid trees and woodlands’ resilience to the negative effects of climate change and tree disease

• Promote trees and woodlands as a means to aid Scotland in mitigating and adapting to climate change

Theme 2 Timber and Business Development aims to:

• Support expansion of Aberdeenshire’s woodland coverage in line with Scottish Government targets

• Promote and support the forest industry

Theme 3 Communities, Development, Access and Health aims to:

• Strongly protect and enhance trees and woodlands in the planning and construction of built development

• Promote and support woodland’s role in providing opportunities for community development, education and recreational access

Theme 4 Environment, Landscape and Historic Assets aims to:

• Promote woodland creation and management practice which protects and enhances environmental quality and biodiversity

• Promote woodland creation and management practice which protects and enhances landscape and historic assets

The Strategy presents a map of Preferred Areas for New Woodland Creation, identifying where new woodlands could go so as to maximise benefits and promote integrated land use.