With the threat of climate change being the biggest challenge facing the planet, Scotland’s national forest and woodlands are of greater relevance and value to society than ever before.
This was the message from Environment Minister Roseanna Cunningham as she announced the publication of a five-year strategic plan for the national forest estate.
Estimates suggest that the estate absorbs around three million tonnes of carbon dioxide a year, the equivalent of the emissions produced by about 1.5 million small family cars .
Environment Minister Roseanna Cunningham said:
“Over 13.5 million trees are planted each year on the estate, adding to the 700 million already estimated to be currently locking up carbon. These trees act as carbon sinks and make a significant contribution to our challenging targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
“The national forest estate has a big part to play, not only in terms of climate change mitigation, but also in supporting rural development and improving the lives of people living in Scotland.
“The strategic plan will help map out a clear direction to maximise the use of Scotland’s national forests and woodlands for the benefit of everyone.”
The national forest estate is also to play a huge role in generating clean and renewable wind energy, potentially enough to meet the needs of over a million homes.
The strategic plan sets out a range of specific actions with support for the timber industry and business development being key areas.
Simon Hodge, Chief Executive of Forest Enterprise, said:
“With its contribution to timber and tourism, the forestry sector is a key provider of employment in Scotland with over 31,000 jobs relying on the sector and £670M being pumped into the economy.
“This Strategy will guide the development of Scotland’s forests, building on the excellent work already being done to support community development, promote access, recreation and health, and conserve environmental quality and biodiversity.”
The strategic plan will act as a lead to each of the ten Forest Districts which run the national forest estate across Scotland.
To see The National Forest Estate Strategic Plan log on to www.forestry.gov.uk/fesplans
Note to Editors
1. Forestry Commission Scotland serves as the Scottish Government’s forestry directorate and manages the 665,000 hectare national forest estate. The Commission continues to protect, manage and expand Scotland’s forests and woodlands in a way which helps in the fight against climate change. www.forestry.gov.uk/scotland.
2. Media enquiries to Paul Munro, Forestry Commission Scotland press office, 0131 314 6507