Public asked for views on Draft Woodland and Forestry Strategy for Moray
Moray Council, in partnership with Scottish Forestry and Highlands and Islands Enterprise, has launched a consultation on a draft Moray Woodland and Forestry Strategy.
Woodland and Forestry Strategies are a legislative requirement that inform planning decisions, local development plans and the forthcoming Regional Spatial Strategy. The current strategy for Moray was approved in 2018 and is now receiving an update for one of the most wooded regions in Scotland, with 34% of Moray covered with woodland.
The purpose of the strategy is also to help deliver the transition to net-zero and will mainly be used by landowners and managers, Scottish Forestry, Moray Council and stakeholders.
The strategy recognises that forestry is an important contributor to the Moray economy generating more than £39 million a year and providing direct employment for almost 1000 people. Forestry employment in Moray is made up of forestry and timber extraction; timber processing and manufacturing of woodland based products; services supporting forest operations; and tourism related activity based around visits to Moray’s forests and woodlands.
The draft strategy being consulted on considers key issues identified through early stakeholder engagement and include climate change; threats to existing woodlands and forests; barriers to the creation of new woodlands; skills shortages in forestry; productivity in the forestry sector; timber production, manufacturing and sustainability; barriers to increasing the health and well-being benefits of woodlands, forests and trees; and lack of investment in recreation and tourism facilities due to budget constraints.
Members of the public and interested parties have until 5pm on 22 November 2024 to respond to the consultation. All comments on the draft Strategy should be sent to Localdevelopmentplan@moray.gov.uk
Chair of Moray Council’s Planning and Regulatory Committee, Cllr David Gordon, agreed: “The world of planning and regulations may seem remote to a lot of people but getting these strategies and policies right at the outset is crucial to ensure we make the best decisions for Moray. That includes considering one of our biggest assets in Moray, our woodlands.”
Moray Council’s Climate Champion, Cllr Draeyk Van Der Hørn, said: “This strategy not only celebrates our rich forest heritage, but also the shape of our forest of tomorrow. Trees are vital to our survival, supporting jobs, crafts and skills locally. So, I encourage everyone to collaborate with the aims of the strategy for the sake of today’s and future generations.”
Operations Manager for Scottish Forestry, Barthy Digby, said: “Scottish Forestry is delighted to work in partnership with Moray Council and HIE in developing this strategy as Moray’s forests and woodlands are important in delivering environmental, social and economic benefits to the area’s people and business. It’s vital in preparing long-term plans for developing, managing, protecting and enhancing these woodlands that we involve as many people and organisations as possible. Feedback on the woodland strategy is very welcome and I would encourage all to get involved in the Council’s consultation.”