A new guide has been published to encourage local people and communities to become involved in future woodland creation projects.
As the MSP for Galloway and West Dumfries – where forestry plans are an important role – I am delighted to help raise awareness of this important resource and support its widespread adoption.
Scotland has already set an ambitious target to expand woodland cover to 21 per cent of land area by 2032 – a crucial element in meeting this country’s 2045 net zero commitments.
Success in achieving this goal depends heavily on building strong relationships between woodland creators and local communities.
The guide represents a significant step forward in improving how forestry projects- are developed in partnership with local communities.
This ground breaking document has been created through collaboration between community representatives, forestry industry stakeholders, Scottish Forestry and the Scottish Land Commission.
Launched at the Glaisters Bridge Community Woodland site in Dumfries and Galloway, it is the first instance in the UK where commercial forestry land has been leased to a community trust and demonstrates the potential for other new models in woodland creation.
