Draft Forestry and Woodland Strategy

Overview

Perth and Kinross Council is required to prepare a Forestry and Woodland Strategy by the Planning (Scotland) 2019 Act and National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) to provide a strategic framework for the development of forestry and woodlands across the area.  

This draft strategy aims to update the current strategy adopted in 2020.  

The draft FWS will: 

• set out a local interpretation of the Scottish Forestry Strategy (2019-2029)  

• identify areas where PKC will support proposals for woodland creation and expansion to inform the PKC Local Development Plan 3 spatial strategy 

• identify priority activities which PKC will encourage, and for which Scottish Forestry funding is available 

• inform Development Management decisions including proposals for woodland creation and removal 

• inform consultation responses from PKC to Scottish Forestry, land and forestry owners and managers, on forest management and woodland creation proposals 

• assist with the development and approval of Long-Term Forest Plans and Forest Management Plans 

• address uncertainties for land managers by identifying areas where PKC will support proposals for woodland creation. 

For the first time, this Strategy provides policy guidance in the local context of Perth and Kinross to guide management of existing, and creation of new forestry and woodland to be well-managed and sustainable. The themes and priorities reflect the complex challenges faced and opportunities presented to balance the need to produce timber with other policy priorities including biodiversity, climate resilience and creating welcoming forests for people to access and enjoy. 

Linkages between the Perth and Kinross Draft Forestry and Woodland Strategy, Open Space Strategy and Nature Networks Guidance Consultations. 

The Forestry and Woodland Strategy, Open Space Strategy and Nature Networks guidance are intended to all work together to help create greener, healthier and more connected places.  The Forestry and Woodland Strategy identifies where woodlands should be protected, improved and expanded, while the Open Space Strategy helps plan and manage parks, greenspaces and other outdoor areas that people use and enjoy.  Nature Networks bring these elements together by creating connections between habitats, helping wildlife move more easily through the landscape and making nature more resilient. 

By working together, these strategies will help the Council meet its responsibilities under the Planning (Scotland) Act 2019, support nature recovery, tackle climate change, improve access to high-quality greenspaces, and create healthier, more sustainable places for people and wildlife. 

These documents will help to inform the preparation of the Perth and Kinross Local Development Plan 3 and support delivery of wider national objectives relating to climate change, nature recovery and placemaking contained within National Planning Framework 4.

Why your views matter

As the ‘cradle of the Scottish forest renaissance’ Perth and Kinross has a strong forestry heritage as well as some of the oldest, and most productive forests in the British Isles hence its renown as ‘Big Tree Country’.  The Planting Dukes of Atholl started reforesting bare land, in what was probably the first example of establishing significant new conifer plantations in Britain in the 18th century. These long-established woodlands continue to make a significant contribution to tourism, sustainable timber production, climate change mitigation, biodiversity enhancement and public enjoyment of the natural environment. 

The revised PKC Forestry and Woodland Strategy aims to ensure that existing and proposed trees, woodlands and forestry are sustainably managed, climate resilient, multi-purpose and provide multiple benefits to all in Perth and Kinross.  

Views and comments are encouraged from landowners, land managers and communities to help inform and shape the final PKC Forestry and Woodland Strategy 2026-2046. Views on the PKC Policy Guidance is particularly welcomed.