Anyone with an interest in the policy, support and regulation that underpins forestry in Scotland, is being invited to help shape Scottish Forestry’s (SF) first draft Corporate Plan.
The draft sets out the agency’s proposed direction of travel and priorities for the next three years and outlines the organisation’s proposed focus, and the three strategic goals that will frame the delivery of its work.
A four week public consultation will begin on 8 January 2020 and all views received will help to test and further refine the draft plan before publication in April 2020.
Announcing the consultation, Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing said:
“Scottish Forestry was established on 1 April 2019 to advise on forestry policy, regulate the sector and support sustainable forest management. Getting the Corporate Plan right will help to deliver this purpose and contribute to the delivery of Scotland’s forestry strategy, which has the overall aim of creating more healthy, sustainable and productive forests across the country.
“This is important for the wide range of benefits that forests deliver – economic, environmental and social – but it is crucial for the ongoing contribution that Scotland’s forests make in tackling the overarching challenge of climate change. Their contribution in soaking up carbon emissions – and transforming them into a versatile, sustainable and renewable raw material – is invaluable.
“I would strongly encourage everyone with an interest in forestry to take part and help shape the organisation.”
In 2018-19, 11,210 hectares of woodland were created in Scotland – 84 per cent of the UK total. Scottish Forestry will play a key role in ensuring that Scotland’s future forests and woodlands continue to expand and are sustainably managed.
Chief Executive of Scottish Forestry, Dave Signorini added:
“I am delighted to be leading this consultation to develop Scottish Forestry’s first Corporate Plan. It will give me and everyone at SF the chance to listen to stakeholders and the public and hear directly from them on how they want us to deliver on our purpose.”
The public consultation on the Draft Corporate Plan closes on Wednesday 5 February. To access the plan and share your views please log on to https://consult.gov.scot/environment-forestry/scottish-forestry-corporate-plan
