16 MARCH 2007 NEWS RELEASE No: 12299

The Scottish forestry industry is a major contributor to employment in Scotland, with more than 40,000 jobs relying on the sector, according to a unique study undertaken by Forestry Commission Scotland. This is one of the initial findings in the Valuation of Forestry for People interim report, which provides evidence for the first time in one study of the benefits that Scotland's economy and society receive from the nation's forest and woodlands. Other studies of forestry-related employment have focussed on the timber production and processing sector. The new study has also looked at the contribution of tourism and recreation. While the timber sector remains an important supporter of jobs, woodland-based recreation and tourism is also a major contributor, supporting up to 20,000 jobs. Announcing the study, Sarah Boyack, Scottish Forestry Minister, said: "Over the past decade, Forestry Commission Scotland has adopted an integrated approach to forestry. While continuing to support production and processing of Scottish timber, the Commission has been working in partnership with many organisations and communities to develop the role that the nation's forests play in supporting recreation and tourism. We know that a day out in the woods is great fun, a natural stress buster, and with so many different things to do. Scotland's forests and woodlands are part of what makes it a special place. The interim findings of this study are providing evidence that backs up this perception with hard economic figures.” Other key economic interim findings revealed in the survey include: · the contribution of recreation and tourism to Scotland’s economy is at least £250 million per year; · visits to forests are worth at least £40m per year to people; and · views of woodland from homes and during daily activity are worth up to £39 million per year to people The figures corroborate people's perception of the importance of woods and forests. The study reveals that 95% of respondents believe that woodlands are an important part of the country’s natural and cultural heritage, and 74% that woodlands are important in helping people to earn a living or make ends meet. 87% believe that Scotland's woodlands are places to reduce stress and anxiety, and 82% think that they are great places to exercise and get fit in. Figures support this by revealing that the physical and mental health benefits of woodland recreation are worth up to £18 million per year. The report covers five main areas, including: the benefits of forests and woodlands to communities and individuals; the contribution of forests to recreation, amenity and culture; the health and well-being benefits of woodlands to Scottish people; how forests and woodlands boost people's livelihoods; and how woodlands are contributing to education and learning. A copy of the report can be found on http://www.forestresearch.gov.uk/forestryforpeople A final report will be produced in 2008 after further research to test and add detail to the interim findings. It will also bring in new findings, including the role of forestry in Scotland’s culture and the economic benefit of the community woodland movement. The research is being carried out by Forest Research, the research agency of the Forestry Commission. The origins for the study come from the work of the Forestry for People Advisory Panel, who were previously charged with giving advice to Forestry Commission Scotland on encouraging best practice on the involvement of people in forestry. Notes to editors: The figures for jobs supported are Full Time Equivalents (FTE) from direct, indirect, and induced employment. Previous studies of employment in forestry focusing on the timber production and processing sector and direct jobs have yielded figures of around 12,000 FTE. The new figures are: production and processing of Scottish timber: 22,200 FTE; recreation and tourism based on woodland: 19,600 FTE (includes only visits where woodland was the sole or main destination); and Scottish game sector based on woodland: 5,000 FTE (not 100% additional so not included in overall figure). Forestry Commission Scotland serves as the Scottish Executive's forestry department. It manages 668,000 hectares of national forest land for multiple benefits, including nature conservation, public recreation, timber production, and rural and community development; supports other woodland owners with grants, felling licences, advice and regulation; 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 0131 314 6508.