Consultation kicks off on draft Woodland-Forestry Strategy

[Kintyre Forum News]

CONSULTATION KICKS OFF ON DRAFT ARGYLL AND BUTE WOODLAND AND FORESTRY STRATEGY

A six week public consultation exercise is about to start on the first draft of Argyll and Bute Council’s Woodland and Forestry Strategy.

The consultation period will run from Monday, February 1 to Friday, March 19.

The strategy, a statutory document, has been taken forward in partnership with a range of key local stakeholders with interests and expertise in woodland and forestry matters.

Argyll and Bute forests cover approximately 30% of the area’s land mass, and plays a vital economic, social and environmental role in residents’ everyday lives.

This document intends to provide a vision for the future of local woodland and forest areas in an effort to help guide their expansion and restructuring.

The strategy will consider matters such as climate change, timber production, business and community development, access and health, environmental quality and biodiversity.

It has been commissioned by Argyll and Bute Council and Forestry Commission Scotland.

Funding support has also come from Argyll and the Islands LEADER, and Scottish Enterprise – Scottish Forest Industries Cluster.

An Advisory Group has been set up to provide advice and guidance throughout the preparation of the strategy. The group comprises a range of key stakeholders with interests and expertise in woodland and forestry matters.

Communities have already been involved in discussing the strategy through a number of events and consultations across Argyll and Bute.

The Council is now keen for all those with an interest in the area’s woodlands and forestry to engage in the consultation and share their views on the first draft of the strategy, which will be available from Monday, February 1.

The draft Argyll and Bute Woodland and Forestry Strategy and further information regarding the consultation process is available on the Council website at www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/woodland

Copies of the draft and response forms are also available in Oban, Campbeltown, Helensburgh, Dunoon and Rothesay Libraries and at Argyll and Bute Council Headquarters at Kilmory, Lochgilphead.