The Institute of Chartered Foresters (ICF) today welcomed the publication of the Scottish Government’s review of forestry planting approval procedures, which was carried out recently by James Mackinnon CBE on behalf of the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy and Connectivity, Fergus Ewing.
This report highlights the important contribution of forestry to the Scottish economy and identifies ways in which new planting rates can be increased to achieve the Scottish Government’s target of 10,000 hectares per year.
The Institute was among the organisations consulted by Mr Mackinnon as part of his review.
On hearing the news, Shireen Chambers FICFor, ICF Executive Director, said: “We’re delighted that Mr Ewing has accepted, in principle, all the recommendations from this report, and we look forward to playing our part in taking them forward. In particular, we will work closely with Forestry Commission Scotland and Confor to develop the approach of appointing accredited forestry professionals to certify that woodland creation proposals meet the UK Forestry Standard, and we will continue working with partners to develop and deliver appropriate professional training across the sector.”
The report is available on the Scottish Government’s website (http://news.gov.scot/news/delivering-planting-progress).
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Media Enquiries
Allison Lock
Events and Publications Manager
Tel: +44 (0)131 240 1425
Email: allison.lock@charteredforesters.org
Notes to Editor
1. The Institute of Chartered Foresters (ICF) is incorporated by Royal Charter as the only professional body in the UK to award Chartered Forester and Chartered Arboriculturist statuses. Full details of how to join the Institute and routes to professional membership are available on the ICF website: www.charteredforesters.org
2. It has offices in Edinburgh and Bristol.
