Forestry and woodlands

Views are being sought on a new draft Forestry Strategy for Scotland which aims to make the most of precious forestry resources and help cement the country’s reputation as a responsible global citizen.

The 2018 Scottish Rural Parliament will take place in Stranraer in Dumfries and Galloway on 14th– 16th November. If you live in or are passionate about rural areas in Scotland, you can attend to learn and make your voice heard. This year's theme is "Taking Action".

The event brings together people from rural communities with decision-makers, for three days of celebration and exploration. Participants examine a wide-range of issues affecting rural communities and make recommendations for change.

Trees for Life’s crowdfunding appeal to raise at least £20,000 has passed the 80 per cent mark in its first two weeks, with the conservation charity “thrilled” by a wave of positive responses to the initiative.

Figures released earlier this month show that 7,100 hectares of new woodland was planted during 2017/18, a rise of 2,300 hectares from the previous year - a figure described as 'very encouraging' by Rural Affairs Secretary Fergus Ewing. This means that Scotland was responsible for 78% of new woodland creation in the UK last year.

Golden eagles, beavers, ospreys and pine martens will all take centre stage in a landmark new conservation book aiming to inspire a change in attitudes towards a wilder Scotland. 'Scotland: A Rewilding Journey' will lay out a vision of how rewilding could transform Scotland and benefit it

Trees for Life has launched an appeal to raise £22,000 to ensure a better future for red squirrels in the Highlands of Scotland.

The Reds Return appeal will enable the reintroduction of red squirrels in up to eight woodlands in the north-west Highlands, where new populations will be able to flourish, safe from competition and disease from grey squirrels.

The Institute of Chartered Foresters and Forestry Commission Scotland are running workshops across Scotland to help people applying for woodland creation grants.

The workshops will explore the launch of the new applicant’s guidance due out soon, detailing the stages required for compiling a woodland creation proposal following the Mackinnon Review.

Chris Stark, FCS Woodland Creation and Case Support Manager, said:

A new service has launched today, Friday 9 February 2018, to provide farmers, foresters and crofters in Scotland with a collaborative way to explore their business ideas.

The Rural Innovation Support Service is part of the Scottish Rural Network and is being led by Soil Association Scotland.