A bold new strategy has been unveiled to shield Scotland’s forests from the growing threats of climate change.
The plan, described as a first-of-its-kind in the UK, lays out a clear path to build resilience in the nation’s woodlands.
Developed by Scottish Forestry, the routemap sets out actions for the next decade aimed at helping forests resist, adapt, respond and recover from climate pressures.
From searing summer heat to pounding winter storms, the urgency is growing.
Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon didn’t mince words, saying “doing nothing is not an option.”
She highlighted the surge in extreme weather, rising temperatures, and increased pests and diseases as a call to action.
The routemap focuses on three core areas—forest planning, species selection, and knowledge sharing.
Smarter planning will cut risks while choosing the right trees ensures they can survive future conditions.
Sharing up-to-date science and training will strengthen the sector from the ground up.
Helen Sellars, Head of Sustainable Forest Management at Scottish Forestry, said the plan brings clarity amid complexity.
She stressed that resilience won’t come from a silver bullet, but through long-term thinking and smarter practices.
The blueprint promotes cutting-edge solutions, from AI and satellite data to smart silviculture and DNA technology.
Workshops, scenario planning, and global knowledge exchange will all play a role in helping Scotland stay ahead.
Seed supply, genetic diversity, and silvicultural expertise are also on the agenda.
A steering group led by Scottish Forestry brought together key players from across the sector to guide the process.
Groups like CONFOR, Forest Research, and Scottish Environment LINK were actively involved.
Andrew Weatherall from Scottish Environment LINK welcomed the unified approach.
He said the plan was vital to protect biodiversity, timber supply, and public access to nature.
Confor’s Deputy Chief Executive Andy Leitch echoed the sentiment, saying the collaborative spirit gives confidence for the future.
Forest Research CEO James Pendlebury added that science and evidence will be central to making it all work.
Scotland’s forests are a treasured natural asset, and this strategic shift marks a serious step in keeping them standing tall through the storms to come.
