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 …
Forestry for the Common Good
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 …
Upland Deer Range – Climate Plan Omission
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 …
The Real Future of Forestry – Time to Speak Up
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 …
A Journey to Owning a Small Scottish Woodland
This is the first in a new series of blog posts highlighting stories of small woodland ownership. Scotland is a country where forests are mainly owned in large expensive units and where ordinary people wishing to own a small woodland …
A brief history of ‘the deer problem’ in Scotland
Simon Pepper is a former director of WWF Scotland (1985-2005) and Deer Commissioner (2005-10) keen to see deer management delivering a better outcome for all interests. The following summary was written to provide some historical context for the consideration …
How to create LOTS of forest owners…..
Kinachreachan Forest Andy Wightman, in a 2012 scoping study on forest1 ownership in Scotland, observed that Scotland out of 19 European countries had the dubious distinction of having the most concentrated forest ownership pattern; and that Scotland’s forest ownership is …
Land Reform – Facts or Prejudices?
Earlier this week, Environment Minister Dr Aileen McLeod said that the benefits of the new Land Reform Bill would be “potentially life-changing for individuals and communities across Scotland”. Ahead of the latest meeting of the Rural Affairs, Climate Change …