The Scottish Executive has been urged to support the development of “productive forests”.
Peter Wilson, executive director of the Forest Industries Development Council, told the annual Scottish Forestry Forum that a business-like approach was essential if the economic priorities set out in the Scottish Executive’s forestry strategy were to be delivered.
“To maintain current levels of investment in Scotland’s forestery industry, which have averaged over £60m a year, requires us to be sure that we have a constant supply of wood coming forward for the processing industries,” said Mr Wilson.
“The pattern of past planting means that we are facing 20 years of increased availability, followed by 20 years of decline before we see another upturn.”
He urged a “coherent strategy” to ensure that new planting and forest management programmes were put in place to even out future supply.
“It is imperative that business leaders and the Scottish Executive work together to produce a strategy to maximise the economic potential of our forest industries.”
Among the audience at the Forum was deputy minister for environment and rural development Allan Wilson.
