Forest and Land Management Act The Forest and Land Management (Scotland) Act 2018 is the principle piece of legislation that governs forestry in Scotland. Published: 22 Feb 2025 What does the Act do? The Act places a duty of Scottish Ministers to promote sustainable forest management.The Act is the primary piece of legislation that allows for felling permissions. As well as different forestry offences, included unauthorised felling. Read the Forest and Land Management Act You can read the agreement on the legislation.gov.uk website. This carries most (but not all) types of legislation and their accompanying explanatory documents. Forest and Land Management (Scotland) Act 2018 (legislation.gov.uk) The Act is supplemented by further regulations.The Felling (Scotland) Regulations 2019This gives further regulations around the felling permission process.The Felling (Scotland) Regulations 2019 (legislation.gov.uk)The Forestry (Exemptions)(Scotland) Regulations 2019 This gives further information on:situations which are exempt from the need for a felling permissionscircumstances where those exemptions would not applyThe Forestry (Exemptions)(Scotland) Regulations 2019 (legislation.gov.uk) Scottish Forestry and Statutory Consultees Joint Working Agreement This agreement explains how Scottish Forestry and their Statutory Consultees work together in creating and managing Scotland’s woodlands. Read the Scottish Forestry and Statutory Consultees Joint Working Agreement
