Forestry Commission - News - have your say on scotland's national forests

Environment Minister, Michael Russell, will today (Monday 31 March) call on the forestry sector and members of the public to help finalise the first national blueprint on how best to manage Scotland's national forest estate.

Forestry Commission Scotland manages 666,000 hectares of national forest land, which is equal to eight per cent of Scotland's land mass. The Commission manages a range of important large landscape scale sites such as Glen Affric, Loch Katrine and the Galloway Forest Park, to small or urban woods such as Aberdeen's Kirkhill Woods and Callendar Wood in Falkirk.

The Commission's draft country-wide management plan, which will contribute to the delivery of the Scottish Forestry Strategy, details how the national forest estate will tackle issues such as climate change and business development while continuing to promote sustainable forest management. The plan also aims to make the most of the opportunities forestry has to deliver greater benefits for people, communities and biodiversity in Scotland.

The consultation will run until Monday 9 June and comments are welcome on all aspects of the plan.

Environment Minister, Michael Russell, said:

“The national forest estate is delivering for Scotland on a wide range of issues.

“It is making a major contribution to the protection of the quality of our environment, raising awareness of the importance of biodiversity and playing a major part in helping us to tackle climate change.

“By engaging with communities and by making access to woodlands easier for all sectors of society, it is having a hugely positive effect on the physical and mental

health and well-being of people across the country. It also offers a wealth of recreational, educational and tourism opportunities.

"It is helping to strengthen rural economies, maximise the economic potential of Scotland’s timber resource and encourage investment. It is a major and significant contributor to many areas of our lives.

“But I think it can do more. With careful planning and some strategic re-positioning, the national forest estate could build on these substantial successes and explore new opportunities.

"I know that people across the country are very passionate about their local forests and woodlands and that they all have their own ideas about what they want from the national forest estate.

“We want to hear as many of those views as possible and I would urge anyone with an interest in Scotland’s forests to take part in this important consultation.”

A series of local consultation meetings will take place around the country on the following dates.

23 April 2008 - Dumfries
25 April 2008 - Perth
28 April 2008 - Edinburgh
29 April 2008 – Glasgow
30 April 2008 – Lochgilphead
6 May 2008 - Inverness
9 May 2008 - Aberdeen

The Forest Enterprise Scotland Framework Strategic Plan - together with information about the consultation meetings and how to submit your response - is available online at www.forestry.gov.uk/fesplans from Monday 17 March.

A hard copy of the plan can be obtained by calling 01463 232811 or emailing strategic.plans@forestry.gsi.gov.uk

NOTES TO EDITOR:
1) Forestry Commission Scotland serves as the Scottish Government's forestry department. For more information log on to www.forestry.gov.uk/aboutfcs

2) The FES Forest Strategic Plan details the ways in which Forestry Commission Scotland will contribute to the delivery of the objectives set out in the Scottish Forestry Strategy.

3) Published on 9 October 2006, the Scottish Forestry Strategy is the Scottish Government's framework for taking forestry forward through the first half of the 21st Century. Based on the four key principles of sustainable development, social inclusion, forestry for and with people and integration with other land uses and businesses, it details Forestry Commission Scotland's mission to protect and expand Scotland's forests and woodlands and increase their value to society and the environment. For more information visit www.forestry.gov.uk/sfs

MEDIA ENQUIRIES:
Paul Munro, Forestry Commission Scotland press office, 0131 314 6507.