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) was set up.
Woodland creation on agricultural land - draft for consultation
Forestry Commission Scotland is seeking views on draft guidance on tree planting on agricultural land from anyone with an interest in land use.
Read: Woodland Creation on Agricultural Land - draft guidance (PDF 29k)
Feedback should be directed to weag@forestry.gsi.gov.uk, and any comments should be received by Monday 3 June 2013.
Final report of the Woodland Expansion Advisory Group
Read the group's Final Report (PDF 1.7Mb)
The Cabinet Secretary's response to the report, including an Action Plan for implementation, has also been published. Read the Cabinet Secretary's response (PDF 202k)
The group's task was:
"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
The 19 strong Woodland Expansion Advisory Group included farmers, foresters, conservation, community and land experts.
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, Scottish Government, Environment and Forestry Directorate
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. Bill Ritchie: Scottish Crofting Federation, attended meetings from January 2012 onwards.
Papers and minutes
The papers and minutes of each meeting have been published. See: WEAG meeting minutes and papers.
Press releases
26 August 2011: First meeting “constructive” says Barbour
13 October 2011: Views wanted on tree planting in Scotland
12 January 2012: Meetings planned to discuss future tree planting
22 June 2012: Report aims to break down barriers over tree planting
4 October 2012: Lochhead gives green light to tree planting report
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
