GALLOWAY'S FORESTS IN NATIONWIDE SURVEY

Eight forests in Galloway are to take part in the largest ever public survey into the nation's woodlands in Scotland.

Researchers will be out and about in different forests seeking the views of local people and visitors enjoying the woodlands managed by Forestry Commission Scotland.

The results from the surveys will be crucial in helping the Commission, together with local people and other partners, determine where and how they invest in forest recreation and services for years ahead.

Starting in June, visitors to Carrick and Carrick Forest Drive, Castlemaddy & Dundeugh, Knockbain, Dunragit, Torrs Warren, Corsemalzie, Kilsture and Barrhill forests might be asked to give their thoughts and views.

Keith Muir of Forestry Commission Scotland says the feedback will be very important in helping shape recreation services for the future in Galloway::

" The forests and open hills of Galloway forest district extend to around 300 square miles and provide many much needed jobs. Whilst the economic and timber production elements of the forest are vital to the area, we are increasingly attracting more tourists through providing excellent recreational facilities. To improve our services and offer what people really want from their forests we need more feedback from visitors and locals.

" It would be very valuable to us if visitors could spend a few minutes with our researchers and give us this much needed information. The end result should mean a better allocation of our resources and a better forest experience."

During 2004 and 2005 , the nationwide survey will be looking at another four forest areas across Scotland including Buchan, the Borders, Lochaber and West Argyll. Researchers will choose access points to each of the forests and count and consult visitors all about their forest experience.

Notes to news editors.

1. The survey is to be carried out for Forestry Commission Scotland by TNS (formerly NFO System Three). TNS provide market measurement analysis to many companies both national and international with a view to developing better business strategies and communications. In May, TNS aim to visit the five forest districts participating in this year's study and identify access points where the research is to take place. The field work will begin in June and researchers will monitor visitors and conduct face to face interviews with forest users. It is expected that nine hours of surveying will take place at each access point., spread throughout the day.

2. TNS carried out a pilot survey using Inverness Forest District as an example. The findings were quite a revelation to forest managers as the results pinpointed the number of visitors to the area at 2.2 million, much more than previously estimated. Because the managers also had very reliable data on where visitors were going within the whole Invernesshire forest estate they were able to shift resources accordingly and restructure staff teams to cater for the demand from visitors. Recreation work in some areas were also shifted to others and public information was increased to help the visitor experience and orientation.

3. Forestry Commission Scotland has just completed a major review of the national forest estate in Scotland and will soon be reporting to Ministers. This was a comprehensive review of the size, nature and geographic distribution of the almost 667,000 hectares of forests and other land owned by Scottish Ministers and managed by Forestry Commission Scotland. This forest visitor survey will address some of the feedback received during the course of the review.

Media enquiries to Forestry Commission Scotland press office 0131 314 6508.

e-mail: steve.williams@forestry.gsi.gov.uk