Economic Contribution of Small Scale Woodland Related Businesses FPG Paper Our research into the economic contribution of small-scale woodland related businesses to Scotland’s economy indicates there are some 6,255 people connected with small-scale woodland related activities. And that the income and local spending of these woodland activities amounts to some £69.8 million pounds.

LocalSmallForestry_final   Here is an updated version of FPG’s scoping study – part of our work to highlight the sector of forestry activity which is locally-based, locally-organised, and typically small-scale. It aims to assess the extent of knowledge and the quality and usefulness of evidence, in order to understand the sector’s value and how best … Continue Reading »

In the lead up to a debate on deer management in the Scottish Parliament scheduled for 2nd May, we are issuing this short introduction to the issues and the case for reform. This follows a lengthy report by the Parliament’s Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Committee into the long-standing problem of managing wild deer. … Continue Reading »

As forestry stakeholders meet Fergus Ewing, Cabinet Secretary for the Rural Economy and Connectivity, today to discuss the Future of Forestry, the Forest Policy Group is highlighting 5 key themes which we believe must be central to future forestry development in Scotland Five suggestions to deliver better outcomes for Scotland, taking opportunities that come with … Continue Reading »

Inspired by the recently published Draft Climate Change Plan (RPP3), and in particular by what we consider to be a significant omission from it, we have produced the following post on sporting land use in the uplands to stimulate debate on the issue. FPG is concerned that the Climate Plan’s apparently thorough analysis of options … Continue Reading »

It’s time for those who are concerned about the real future of forests to take a stand.  Fergus Ewing MSP (Cabinet Secretary for the Rural Economy) is consulting on the ‘Future of Forestry’; and while the deadline for formal submissions has now passed, the debate must continue as the Scottish Parliament will at some stage … Continue Reading »

You can find the full set of 25 Case Studies that informed and enlivened our successful Getting Value Conference, and read the Summary Conference Report at http://www.forestpolicygroup.org/other/  

Times Item Session lead 8.45 Registration with tea and coffee 9.30 Welcome Gordon Gray Stephens 9.35 Setting the Scene Willie McGhee 9.45-11.10 Local Production Gordon Gray Stephens A session focusing on ways in which individuals have been able to take advantage of the forestry resource to establish SMEs, with Angus Ross (www.angusross.co.uk/), Maggie Birley (www.scottishwood.co.uk/) … Continue Reading »

Name: Abriachan Forest Trust (AFT) Place: Abriachan, Loch Ness, Highland Headline: Pioneering community forest, restructured from planation forest with multiple activities providing local employment, adult learning support, skills training, forest enterprises and outdoor education. Keywords: plantation forest restructuring, timber, adult learning, health, volunteering, forest management Context: In response to concerns about the loss of common … Continue Reading »

Duncan Halley’s insights on the Cairngorms: the Cairngorms National Park Authority has consulted (closing date 30 September!) on its Partnership Plan to 2022, highlighting nine major issues including questions related to woodlands, deer, grouse, flood management, tourism and research. The views of Dr Duncan Halley of the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, noted for his … Continue Reading »