Following consultation with its members in the area of the proposed GNP, it was clear that a majority of members did not believe that the Park would bring clear benefits for the sector, or for the rural economy as a whole.
Forestry accounts for over a third of the land area in all three options proposed for the Park boundary. A Confor survey of just the largest forestry-related businesses operating in that area and the surrounding buffer zone showed almost £1bn in forestry investment in recent years, with future investment over the next 10 years likely to reach at least £370m.
These companies support in excess of 1,200 direct full-time jobs with a contribution to the local economy of around £30m per year. Forestry also employs over 600 contractors and suppliers across this region, providing further essential investment into the rural economy and income for local businesses.
Past experience with Scotland’s two existing National Parks has shown that productive forestry is often squeezed out by other priorities for Park authorities. It was a matter of concern for the industry that nothing in the plans for the GNP suggested a different approach, therefore putting many jobs and huge amounts of future investment in the local area at risk.
Forestry is a very important industry in Dumfries and Galloway. South of Scotland Enterprise estimate that a third of the total Scottish industry, which employs over 34,000 people and contributes £1.1bn to the economy, is in the south with a large proportion of that located in the region.
Confor members are supportive of the need to make sure the balance of land use supports sustainable economic activity while also delivering tangible community and regional benefits.
“Our members have been clear; the Scottish Government should work with public and private partners in the region to explore how to achieve a positive vision for local people and communities that supports sustainable development and delivers economic growth,” said Stuart Goodall, Confor chief executive.
“At the forefront of these efforts should be the recognition of land uses such as productive forestry that have provided economic and environmental benefits for generations.”
