In Scotland there are competing demands for the use of land. Woodland expansion is one of these.
The Scottish Government wishes to increase woodland cover, but wants to do so in a way that is integrated with other land-based objectives. For example, we need to ensure food production can flourish at the same time as we plant more trees.
To find a constructive, practical and balanced way forward the Woodland Expansion Advisory Group (WEAG) has been set up. This 18-strong group of farmers, foresters, conservation, community and land experts will help identify which types of land are best suited for tree planting in Scotland.
Latest news:
Published 15 December 2011:
The Woodland Expansion Advisory Group will be holding six stakeholder events across Scotland and would like to invite anyone with an interest in forestry, farming or other land-based objectives to come along to discuss and provide feedback on WEAG's emerging findings.
The evening events will be held at: Dumfries (21 Feb 2012), Oban (22 Feb 2012), Perth (27 Feb 2012), Newtown St Boswells (28 Feb 2012), Inverness (29 Feb 2012), Huntly (1 March 2012).
Anyone wanting to attend should register either by email weag@forestry.gsi.gov.uk or letter to the Woodland Expansion Advisory Group Secretariat (details at the bottom of the page).
The group's task is:
"To provide advice to the Cabinet Secretary, by June 2012, on identifying more closely which types of land are best for tree planting in Scotland, in the context of other land-based objectives; and on promoting good practice and local processes in relation to tree planting so as to secure multiple benefits."
These terms of reference are based on Proposal 7 of the Scottish Government’s Land Use Strategy.
Group members
From left to right:
George McRobbie: UPM Tilhill.
Angus Mccall: Scottish Tenant Farmers’ Association.
Dr Andrew Midgley: Scottish Land and Estates.
Nigel Miller: NFUS.
Jonnie Hall: NFUS.
George Milne: National Sheep Association.
David Barnes: Scottish Government Rural and Environment Directorate (front).
Professor Jeff Maxwell: Former Director of Macaulay Land Use Research Institute and recent Chair of Tenant Farming Forum (back).
Dr Andrew Barbour: Chair of the Woodland Expansion Advisory Group. Farms in Perthshire and woodland adviser to Atholl Estates.
Bob McIntosh: Director, Forestry Commission Scotland.
Susan Davies: Scottish Natural Heritage.
Jo O’Hara: Scottish Government Rural and Environment Directorate.
Hamish Macleod: Director BSW and Chair of FC Scotland’s National Committee.
Mark Aitken: Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (front).
Stuart Goodall: CONFOR (back)
Vicki Swales: RSPB Scotland.
Simon Pepper: SNH Board member and former director WWF.
Not pictured - Ian Ross: Highland Council and Chair of Planning, Environment and Development Committee. Mr Ross also chaired the Forests for People Advisory Panel.
Papers and minutes
The papers will be published after each meeting, with the minutes of the meeting being added once agreed with the Advisory Group. Links to the meeting papers are on the left hand side of this page.
Press releases
26 August 2011: First meeting “constructive” says Barbour
13 October 2011: Views wanted on tree planting in Scotland
Contact details
Email: weag@forestry.gov.uk
Post: Secretary to the Woodland Expansion Advisory Group
c/o Forestry Commission Scotland
231 Corstorphine Road
Edinburgh, EH12 7AT
Phone: 0131 334 0303
