FOREST SURVEY TO SEEK VIEWS

The largest ever survey into the public use of, and expectations from, Scotland’s national forests gets under way this June.

Following a pilot survey in Inverness-shire and feedback received during the recent national review of land managed by Forestry Commission Scotland, researchers will be out and about in forests right across Scotland seeking the views of local people and visitors enjoying the national forest estate.

This is the first time ever that the entire national forest estate, including more remote woodlands, is to be covered by the survey, as previously only key high usage sites were monitored.

The results will become crucial in helping Forestry Commission Scotland, together with local people and other partners, determine where and how they invest in forest recreation and services for years ahead.

The three year survey is to be carried for the Commission by market research company TNS Tourism and Leisure.

Announcing the survey, Forestry Minister Allan Wilson said:

"Forest leisure activities play a vital part in supporting healthy lifestyles, learning and brings economic benefits to Scotland's tourism industry. Not only do our national forests draw in tourists from across Scotland and from other countries, they also provide vitally important havens which improve the quality of life for the communities living around them.

"If we want the public to help shape the future use of their woodlands, and maximise all the benefits from them, then we need to get their views on what they want and expect from the national forests they visit. This comprehensive survey will help the Commission target resources, improve facilities and make a forest visit an even better experience."

The Inverness-shire pilot study tested out the research method to be used. From the results, local forest managers were able to re-prioritise and re-direct resources to cater for demand in particular areas and restructure their staffing to provide a better recreation service to the public.

During 2004 and 2005 , the survey will look at the following five forest areas: Buchan; Galloway; Lochaber; West Argyll and Scottish Borders. 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