The Scottish Forestry Strategy

The Scottish Forestry Strategy was published in October 2006. The Scottish Executive’s first integrated framework for the long-term development of forestry in Scotland (Forests for Scotland - The Scottish Forestry Strategy) was published in 2000. Changes at international and national levels indicated the need for a review that was completed in 2006 and highlighted a number of important opportunities and challenges for forestry in the 21st century. Finally, the Scotland’s Forestry Strategy 2019-2029 was recently published to provide an overview of contemporary Scottish forestry, present the 50-year vision for Scotland’s forests and woodlands, and set out a 10-year framework for action.

The core principles of the Scottish Forestry Strategy are based on sustainable forest management and social inclusion, achieved through a culture of ‘forestry for and with people’ and delivered in well managed forests and woodlands that integrate effectively with other land uses and businesses. The Strategy also is based on the principle of ‘the right tree, in the right place, for the right purpose’. This approach will enable forestry in Scotland to continue to deliver an extensive and expanding range of economic, environmental and social benefits, now and in the future. 

The Strategy sets out a vision and a process for realizing the potential of forestry through the 21st century, with a particular focus on the next decade. It also identifies objectives, priorities for action, and key strategic drivers that will need to be considered to succeed in realising the vision for the forestry sector. The Implementation Plan 2013-2016 and the Progress Report 2012-2013 were also published.