On May 6, First Minister John Swinney issued the PfG, laying out the Scottish government’s plan for the coming year with focus on growing the economy and tackling the climate emergency. It is slated to prepare Scotland, and in particular its economy, for key challenges emerging both at home and on a global level.
In the foreword accompanying the document, the First Minister refers to “a determination to ensure a green industrial future for Scotland”, and the PfG commits to “work with all our communities and land managers on actions to restore and protect nature and to support efforts to adapt to climate change”.
Of the key points addressed within the PfG, several have particular relevance to forestry:
- Increasing the scale and pace of peatland restoration to at least 12,000ha, up from a current target of 10,000ha, this year and creating at least 10,000ha of woodlands – which will include over 4,000ha of native woodland.
- Considering with stakeholders the development of local pilot projects on deer management programmes, including an implementation plan and funding models.
- Progressing the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill.
The PfG also includes an action to publish a Climate Change Plan by the end of this Parliament.
“It is encouraging to see that the woodland creation target outlined by the First Minister makes clear allowance for new productive forests,” said Stuart Goodall, Confor chief executive.
“In this document, the Scottish government has committed to creating at least 10,000ha of new woodland, a figure that includes a target of over 4,000ha of native planting. It is our understanding that the funds available could in fact deliver as much as 11,000ha this tree planting season.
“After the major cut to last year’s woodland creation budget it’s positive to see an 18% increase this year, especially against a backdrop of cuts to many other budget areas. The PfG highlights Scotland’s success in creating over 75% of all new woodlands planted in the UK over the last five years and if that trend is to continue then forest nurseries and woodland establishment businesses will need the confidence to invest.
“Confor has been pressing for measures to build confidence in the sector to push on from here. While it is a big ask, a confirmed multi-annual funding commitment for woodland creation would be a game changer for forestry in Scotland.”
Confor will continue to engage with government and Scottish Forestry through the development of the Climate Change Plan, and to represent the interests of the industry as a whole.
