Summary
This Strategy provides an overview of contemporary Scottish forestry, presents our 50-year vision for Scotland’s forests and woodlands, and sets out a 10-year framework for action.
The Strategy is a cornerstone of our ambition for forestry in Scotland, supported by legislation and organisational arrangements that build on the 100-year legacy of the Forestry Commission's work in Scotland. The strategy:
- balances the need for long-term continuity with the flexibility required to respond to emerging issues and opportunities
- embraces our existing commitments while providing strategic direction for the future
Sustainable forest management
The Strategy is founded on the principles of sustainable forest management, including adherence to the principle of "the right tree, in the right place, for the right purpose."
Additionally, implementing the Strategy requires recognising the need for better integration of forestry with other land uses and businesses.
This approach will enable forestry in Scotland to continue delivering an extensive and expanding range of economic, environmental, and social benefits, now and in the future.
Scope of our strategy
The scope of this Strategy covers forestry as "the art and science of managing woods and forests."
Therefore, this document focuses on forest and woodland management, using these terms interchangeably to include all types of woodland, from small pockets of native woodland and shelter-belts to extensive areas of tree cover, such as those seen in the Cairngorms or Argyll.
However, it also acknowledges the important contribution that individual trees outside forests and woodlands make to enhancing Scotland’s rural and urban landscapes, addressing air pollution, and their biodiversity and cultural value.
