Other statistics published today by Forest Research show that Scotland continues to lead the UK in new planting, accounting for 54% of all woodland creation over the past year, creating 7,220 hectares out of its annual target of 10,000 hectares.
All these new woodlands are providing important benefits for climate change, biodiversity and communities, while supporting 34,000 jobs and bringing in over
£1.1 billion to the Scottish economy each year.
Delivery in 2025-26 was affected by a range of factors, including inflationary pressures on costs and global instability. The sector is seeing more complex woodland projects coming forward, including those delivered through natural regeneration, and these are taking longer to implement.
Despite these clear challenges, early signs for future woodland creation are encouraging. Scottish Forestry is supporting a strong pipeline of projects, with over 13,300 hectares already approved over the coming years, including around 5,000 hectares agreed in the current year.
Minister for Agriculture, Marine and the Islands, Jim Fairlie, said:
“The Scottish Government remains firmly committed to increasing woodland creation. Today’s overall figures are disappointing and it is clear that we must do more to meet our stretching ambitions. However, it is encouraging to see strong progress in native woodlands and, indeed, positive signs for the years ahead.
“There is a really positive story to tell about integrating trees on farms and the network of farmers around the country doing this are very happy to share their experiences. I would encourage farmers to take a serious look at this option for their business in order to create habitat for livestock and wildlife and share in our endeavours to drive forwards our biodiversity targets while improving productivity.
“Scotland has an impressive record of creating the highest levels of new woodland in the UK - contributing not only to Scotland’s net zero target but also the UK’s. I would like to thank everyone involved, including forestry companies and agents, tree nurseries, farmers and other land managers, communities and Scottish Forestry staff. Your efforts are essential to achieving our climate and biodiversity goals as well as contributing to our economy.”
Scottish Forestry is working with the forestry sector to develop a new Woodland Creation Delivery Plan which will drive further progress and identify improvements which will support the expansion of forests and woodlands. Enhancements to the woodland creation application process and community engagement arrangements will also be introduced this Autumn.
To help support new woodland creation, Scottish Forestry has previously carried out the most fundamental set of changes to the Forestry Grant Scheme since its inception in 2015.
Improvements have included increased forestry grant rates in a number of key areas, especially in helping to tackle inflation for those taking forward smaller scale woodland schemes, mostly by farmers and crofters.
The Woodland Carbon Code is also helping to attract private investment to woodland creation, providing land managers with an additional income stream to help make projects viable.
Brendan Callaghan, Director of Operational Delivery at Scottish Forestry, added:
“Woodland creation is a long-term process, so it’s important to look at progress over time. Scotland has delivered 52,800 hectares of new woodland over the last five years. This is an area around double the size of Edinburgh, which demonstrates the scale of what has been achieved.
“We are continuing to support the sector, improve our processes and respond to feedback to help increase the pace of woodland creation. However, this must be balanced with delivering quality schemes. Every project must meet the UK Forestry Standard, ensuring new woodlands are well designed, protect the environment and include meaningful community engagement. This delivers lasting benefits for climate, biodiversity and communities.”
Forestry in Scotland is the only sub-sector in Scotland with a net emissions reduction, absorbing 7.6 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent annually, which is equivalent to 14% of Scotland’s gross emissions.
