Scotland’s forestry sector stands at a pivotal crossroads, with Scottish Woodlands balancing economic growth through timber production and also addressing the need to protect biodiversity and combat climate change, writes David Robertson, the company’s Investment and Business Development Director (Image: Scottish Woodlands’ David Robertson) Forestry in Scotland is a story of balance – between the economic benefits of commercial timber production and the critical need to protect biodiversity and the natural environment . With forests covering nearly 19% of Scotland’s land area and plans to expand this further, it’s clear forestry is central to Scotland’s future. However, we must find that balance –by adopting strategies that not only ensure future commercial timber production but also safeguard Scotland’s precious natural habitats and biodiversity.
The importance of commercial timber production SCOTLAND’S forestry sector is crucial to the rural economy , contributing over £1.1 billion annually and supporting more than 34,000 jobs. At the heart of this success is commercial timber production, which supplies essential materials for industries like construction, agriculture (predominantly fencing), logistics (pallets) and packaging.
Timber is a renewable resource that has become increasingly attractive in the global push for sustainable alternatives to materials like concrete and steel. As a result, the global demand for timber is increasing very rapidly – .