NEW NON-EXECUTIVE MEMBER APPOINTED TO FORESTRY COMMISSION SCOTLAND'S NATIONAL COMMITTEE

Forestry Commission Scotland has announced the appointment of Simon Rennie as a new non-executive member to its National Committee for Scotland.

Mr Rennie brings with him to the role specialist knowledge and experience of urban regeneration and community development. He is Chief Executive of Central Scotland Forest Trust, a Director of Greenspace Scotland, and recently was a member of the Scottish Urban Biodiversity Working Group. Prior to joining the Central Scotland Forest Trust, Mr Rennie was the Deputy Chief Executive of the Wise Group in Glasgow, where he worked on social inclusion and environmental justice issues.

Urban community development is a key theme of the Scottish Forestry Strategy which aims to help improve the quality of life and well-being of people across Scotland, and enhance forestry's engagement with communities on the national forest estate, where this will bring increased benefits.

Woodlands in highly populated areas provide much needed places for walking, cycling or for relaxing to simply get time away from the hustle and bustle of modern day life. In addition, woodlands in urbanised areas have a part to play in improving people's health and can also stimulate economic regeneration and benefit the environment. Forestry Commission Scotland's Woods In and Around Towns (WIAT) initiative is one way that these issues are being successfully addressed.

Calum MacDonald, Chair of the National Committee, said,

"Our forests and woodlands are an amazing natural asset and are important in economic, environmental and social terms. Through support received via the WIAT initiative, there are already excellent examples of how urban woodland regeneration is helping improve lives and developing communities throughout Scotland.

"I welcome Mr Rennie's appointment and am certain his strong urban and community regeneration background will be of enormous benefit as we continue to deliver well managed woodlands to some of Scotland's most deprived communities."

Mr Rennie commented:

"I am delighted to be appointed and am looking forward to contributing to the work of the National Committee and to helping deliver the aims of the Forestry Strategy."

Further information about the Scottish Forestry Strategy, Woods In and Around Towns Initiative and Forestry Commission Scotland can be found at www.forestry.gov.uk/scotland

Notes to Editors:

1) The National Committee for Scotland oversees the work of the Forestry Commission Scotland, ensuring that the objectives for the organisation, which are agreed by Ministers, are delivered effectively and efficiently.

2) Forestry Commission Scotland serves as the Scottish Executive's forestry department. It manages 666,000 hectares of national forest land owned by Scottish Ministers for multiple benefits, including timber production, nature conservation and public recreation; supports other woodland owners with grants, felling licences, advice and regulations; promotes the benefits of forests and forestry; and advises Ministers on forestry policy. For further information, visit www.forestry.gov.uk/scotland

3) A photograph of Mr Rennie is available by contacting Diana McGowan, tel: 0131 314 6507

Media enquiries to:
Diana McGowan, Forestry Commission Scotland, press office, tel: 0131 314 6507
e-mail: diana.mcgowan@forestry.gsi.gov.uk