“This Guide is the culmination of a lot of hard work by people who want to improve the process of engagement with local people and communities on new woodland creation projects”, explained Morag Paterson from Communities for Diverse Forestry. “It’s because of their positive approach and willingness to openly discuss the issues around engaging people in new woodland creation projects that has enabled this important Guide to be prepared.”
Cabinet Secretary Mairi Gougeon has welcomed the launch of the Good Practice Guide.
“Meaningfully engaging communities in discussions about woodland creation projects is crucial as we strive to increase woodland cover across Scotland.
“Engagement with communities during the project development and approval process helps to ensure that their aspirations and concerns are taken into account when decisions are being made about the places they live and care about.
“I welcome this guidance, particularly as it has been developed collaboratively with community representatives and with the aim of supporting more and better engagement in the woodland creation process.”
