A range of new initiatives have been launched by Scotland’s forestry minister, Lewis Macdonald.
Speaking at the Scottish Forestry Forum in Loch Lomond, he announced a public consultation on proposals to make it easier for communities to buy or lease national forest land.
The proposed National Forest Land Scheme is split into three parts – community acquisition, sponsored sale of surplus land, and land for affordable housing.
Mr Macdonald also announced the establishment of three new pilot stewardship grants in 2005 to promote the sustainable management of farm woodlands.
The trials, to be run by Forestry Commission Scotland, will apply to sustainable grazing of woodlands; adding value to farm woodlands; and developing wood energy supply chains.
