FORESTRY MINISTER ANNOUNCES £12 MILLION TO SUPPORT CLIMATE CHANGE PROGRAMME

Scottish Forestry Minister, Rhona Brankin, today (12 April 2006), announced that £12 million will be allocated to support delivery of forestry related targets identified in the Scottish Climate Change Programme unveiled last month.

Ms Brankin said;

"Forestry has a hugely important role to play in everyday life as well as meeting key carbon saving targets set out by Scotland's ambitious Climate Change Programme. Having asked Forestry Commission Scotland to find extra funds to help support the Programme, I am delighted to announce that a further £12 million has been identified over the next two years for this purpose.

"The cash boost brings Scottish Forestry grant-aid funds to an all time high of £26 million for 2006-2007 and £28 million for 2007-2008. I am extremely encouraged by the positive potential this cash boost has to enhance forest related carbon saving activity."

To help achieve the Climate Change Programme the forestry sector has been set an ambitious carbon saving target of 1 million tonnes by 2010. With the £12 million boost for climate change, Forestry Commission Scotland will promote the establishment of new woodland through planting and natural regeneration, short rotation coppice, and will encourage more use of timber.

Notes to Editors:

1) Further information about these forestry specific initiatives and the Scottish Forestry Strategy, are available on-line at www.forestry.gov.uk/scotland.

2) Details of the Scottish Executives Climate Change Programme can be found by visiting www.scotland.gov.uk

3) The £12 million cash boost over two years announced by Ms Brankin raises Forestry Commission Scotland's grant-aid funds to an all time high of £26 million for 2006-2007 and £28 million for 2007-2008.

4) Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS) 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

Media enquiries to:
Steve Williams, Forestry Commission Scotland, press office, tel: 0131 314 6508, mobile 07771 730509
Diana McGowan, Forestry Commission Scotland, press office, tel: 0131 314 6507, mobile 07785 527590

e-mail: diana.mcgowan@forestry.gsi.gov.uk