FORESTRY and Land Scotland (FLS) is seeking views on looking after Scotland’s national forests and land, for the benefit of all, now and for the future.

A public consultation has started on a Draft Corporate Plan for the new Scottish Government agency, which was established on 1st April this year. The plan sets out the agency’s proposed direction of travel and priorities for the next three years.

Announcing the consultation, Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing said: “I want our national forests and land to contribute more to our economic ambitions for Scotland, and to be recognised and valued as a vital natural and national asset, now and in the future.”

Scotland’s national forests and land are also home to thousands of species, from rare plants to red deer to golden eagles. They host nine starter farms which support new entrants into agriculture and produce one billion watts of renewable energy.

Chief executive of Forestry and Land Scotland, Simon Hodgson, said: “I am delighted to be leading this consultation to develop a new corporate plan, the first since I took up post as Chief Executive of Forest and Land Scotland. It will give me and everyone at FLS the chance to meet and hear from stakeholders and the public on how they want us to look after the nation’s forests and land. Our vision is to create a natural powerhouse that Scotland can be proud of. 

“The corporate plan will help us shape our direction of travel for the next three years and I’d welcome views from anyone with an interest in Scotland’s national forests and land.”

The public consultation on the Draft Corporate Plan closes on Friday 5 July. To access the plan and share your views please visit https://consult.gov.scot/environment-forestry/forestry-and-land-scotland-corporate-plan/.