FORESTRY and Land Scotland (FLS) has launched its first corporate plan, setting out the vision and mission for the new agency.

The plan outlines a step change in efforts to increase forestry’s contribution to Scotland achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045. It also sets out five corporate outcomes for Forestry and Land Scotland that will contribute to the Scottish Government’s wider approach. FLS will aim to:

  • Support a sustainable rural economy by managing the national forests and land in a way that encourages sustainable business growth, development opportunities, jobs and investments.
  • Ensure Scotland’s national forests and land are looked after; biodiversity is protected and enhanced; and more environmental services are provided.
  • Ensure everyone can visit and enjoy Scotland’s national forests and land to connect with nature, have fun, benefit their health and wellbeing and have the opportunity to engage in our community decision-making.
  • Be a supportive, safe and inclusive organisation that provides exciting careers and professional development.
  • Be recognised as a high-performing, efficient and effective, financially sustainable organisation.

Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing said: “In rising to the challenge presented by the global climate emergency, the Scottish Government has accepted the recommendations of the UK Committee on Climate Change and is aiming to see Scotland achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045 at the latest.

“Forestry has a huge part to play in helping to meet this target. As a new executive agency of the Scottish Government, Forestry and Land Scotland will play a hugely important role in driving forward our ambitions for forestry and land management.

“FLS will continue to manage Scotland’s national forests to support jobs, businesses and livelihoods in our rural communities.

“But FLS will also seek to maximise the climate contribution of Scotland’s forests and land by increasing renewable energy generation capacity and entering into corporate partnerships that will generate more revenue to lock up more carbon.”