What's Happening?
Forestry leaders in Scotland, including Confor and the Woodland Trust, have issued a plea to the Scottish Government to restore and increase funding for the Forestry Grant Scheme (FGS). The FGS, crucial for woodland creation and management, saw its budget
cut from £77.2 million in 2023/24 to £45.5 million in 2024/25, with only a partial restoration to £53 million for 2025/26. The leaders argue that the cuts have significantly harmed land manager confidence, disrupted supply chains, and widened the gap between Scotland's woodland creation targets and actual delivery. They are urging the government to increase the FGS budget to £70 million in 2026/27 and to £100 million by the end of the parliamentary session to meet the annual target of 18,000 hectares of new woodland by 2030.
Why It's Important?
The call for increased funding is significant as it directly impacts Scotland's ability to meet its climate goals and support rural economies. The forestry sector plays a vital role in carbon capture, reducing reliance on timber imports, and supporting rural jobs. The current funding shortfall threatens these objectives and undermines Scotland's ambitions towards achieving Net Zero. By increasing the FGS budget, the government can ensure the sustainability of the forestry sector, support biodiversity, and contribute to nature recovery plans. The decision will also affect the confidence of land managers and the stability of supply chains, which are crucial for the sector's growth and resilience.
What's Next?
The Scottish Government is expected to respond to the plea from forestry leaders. If the funding is increased, it could lead to a more robust forestry sector capable of meeting national and international environmental commitments. The decision will likely influence future policy directions and investment in the forestry sector, impacting stakeholders such as land managers, environmental groups, and rural communities. The outcome will also be closely watched by other regions and countries as a potential model for balancing economic and environmental priorities.
