Plan to streamline tree planting announced

A plan to drive forward and speed up tree planting in Scotland has been announced by Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing.

The delivery plan covers a range of measures including:

• Speeding up processes for woodland creation applications and for grant approvals by revising existing processes and guidance. New initiatives include developing a scheme to appoint accredited, experienced agents to help certify some woodland planting schemes
• Improving promotional material and training for staff to improve the delivery of information and training
• Reviewing criteria and establishing a specialist team to deal with complex proposals
• Working with interested local authorities to explore the potential for a large scale, multi-owner woodland creation project

Tree planting targets are to be raised on a stepped basis from the current 10,000ha a year to 15,000ha a year by 2025.

The increase in planting will grow this crucial forest carbon sink, helping the fight against climate change, as well as creating economic growth and protecting jobs, mostly in rural areas.

During a visit to a recently planted woodland site in West Lothian, Mr Ewing said:

"Forestry in Scotland is a real success story contributing £1 billion each year to the Scottish economy and supporting 25,000 jobs. We can build on this success.

"Whilst tree planting has enormous benefits for the economy, it is also very important environmentally - soaking up about 10 million tonnes of CO2 each year. Trees are a win win natural asset for Scotland.

"The actions within this new delivery plan will create a welcome step change in meeting our tree planting targets. This is good for the economy, good for the environment and good for Scotland’s communities."

The publication of the delivery plan also coincides with another record breaking round of planting approvals. Forestry Commission Scotland has just approved 96 woodland proposals, covering 1,300ha of new woodland creation and totalling £5.5 million. This is the largest area of woodland creation to be approved in a single clearing round since the Forestry Grants Scheme opened in October 2015.

The plan is a direct response to recommendations from Jim Mackinnon CBE, who was commissioned by Scottish Government, to explore the current arrangements for forest planting approval processes.

Jo O’Hara, Head of Forestry Commission Scotland added:

"Forestry in Scotland is going through a very exciting and dynamic period, with significant growth in activity in both planting and harvesting.

"I am very grateful for the fresh insight that Jim Mackinnon has brought to the processes we use to stimulate and regulate woodland creation in Scotland, drawing on his unparalleled experience in the planning system. “This delivery plan provides a clear roadmap for the whole sector, to revitalise and streamline the process for woodland approvals so we can continue to grow and achieve the new targets. I look forward to working with colleagues and stakeholders across the sector to drive forward the recommendations in the report."

Visit the Forestry Commission Scotland website to find out more. 

The Forestry Grant Scheme supports new woodland creation and sustainable management of existing woodlands. Visit the Rural Payments and Services website to find out more.