This technical note provides information to support Planning Authorities prepare or update their Forestry and Woodland Strategy (FWS).
A FWS sets out a Planning Authority’s vision, policies and plan for the future of forestry and woodland in its area.
This is expected to reflect the Scottish Government’s approach to sustainable forest management (a term that includes woodland creation and managing existing forests) and delivering multi-benefit forestry that will help realize a range of social, economic and environmental benefits.
The Scottish Government’s approach is set out in Scotland's Forestry Strategy 2019-2029.
Scotland's Forestry Strategy 2019-2029
A FWS is the foundation for a Planning Authority to realise these benefits from its forests and woodlands and from the local forestry sector.
These benefits may include businesses involved in:
- creating new woodland
- managing maturing woodlands
- harvesting
- transporting
- sawmilling
- manufacturing timber products
It may also include businesses, groups and communities involved in running activities in woodlands to support:
- physical activity
- mental well-being
- community development
- tourism
- education
- environmental protection
By helping to inform decisions about creating and managing woodland and developing the local forestry sector, a FWS has a key role to play in maximising these benefits (see Box 1 for examples).
A range of issues will still need to be considered at the local level. But by steering woodland creation to the most appropriate locations, a FWS can also help to:
- reduce conflict over proposals
- encourage successful grant applications
Planning Authorities can seek advice on sustainable forest management and the multiple benefits of forestry in relation to a FWS from their local Scottish Forestry Conservancy office.
