Scottish Forestry will retain its independence as a dedicated government agency after ministers decided against including it in plans for a major restructuring of Scotland’s environmental organisations.

The decision has been welcomed by Scottish Greens MSP Ariane Burgess, who represents the Highlands and Islands and believes maintaining a dedicated forestry agency is important for jobs, biodiversity and Scotland’s climate ambitions.

Climate Action and Rural Affairs Secretary Gillian Martin confirmed the decision to the Scottish Parliament on Friday 6 November, following consideration of concerns raised by stakeholders.

Under proposals outlined in the Scottish Government’s Programme for Government, Scottish Forestry had been identified as a potential participant in plans to bring several environmental organisations together.

Those proposals would have seen the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, NatureScot and Zero Waste Scotland brought under a single overarching environmental body, with Scottish Forestry potentially joining them.

Ministers have now ruled out including Scottish Forestry, although work to establish the new environmental organisation will continue.

The Scottish Government says it is working with the three organisations, trade unions and other stakeholders to develop the proposed structure, with a consultation forming part of the process.

For Scotland’s forestry sector, the decision provides certainty at a time when woodland creation, private investment and environmental restoration remain central to national policy.

Gillian Martin explained the Government’s position in a written parliamentary answer.

“Following careful consideration of the options for public service reform, I have decided that Scottish Forestry should continue as a stand-alone Executive Agency.

“I am grateful for the constructive engagement from stakeholders as I considered this decision.

“In reaching this decision, I have considered the distinctive long-term nature of forestry investment and the importance of maintaining confidence across the sector.

“Continued private investment in woodland creation will be critical in order to meet our climate change ambitions and woodland creation targets.”

Scottish Forestry is responsible for regulating forestry activities, administering woodland grants and supporting the development and management of Scotland’s forests.

Its work is particularly important across the Highlands and Islands, where forestry contributes to rural employment, timber production, habitat restoration and the wider economy.

The Scottish Greens have welcomed the Government’s decision, arguing that the sector’s economic and environmental importance justifies retaining a dedicated agency.

Ariane Burgess said:

“I am glad the Scottish Government has listened to concerns from stakeholders and Scottish Forestry will continue to be a stand-alone agency.

“The forestry sector is a huge contributor to the Scottish economy, sustains thousands of jobs and is critical to delivering our long-term climate goals.

“It is critical to nature restoration, biodiversity and ensuring that we reach ambitious targets to plant new trees.”

The decision also means Scottish Forestry can continue its existing responsibilities without being drawn into the proposed organisational merger.

The agency has confirmed that its normal activities, including grant applications, payments, regulatory decisions and felling permissions, are continuing as usual.

Meanwhile, the wider public sector reform programme remains under development, with further discussions expected before the proposed environmental body takes shape.

The Government has presented the restructuring as an opportunity to improve coordination and efficiency across environmental services, while the decision on Scottish Forestry reflects the particular investment needs and responsibilities of the forestry sector.

For Scotland’s woodland owners, forestry businesses and rural communities, the immediate outcome is that Scottish Forestry will continue operating as a dedicated agency, rather than becoming part of the proposed larger environmental organisation.