Question reference: S6W-26848
- Asked by: Tim Eagle, MSP for Highlands and Islands, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
- Date lodged: 12 April 2024 Registered interest
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Current status: Answered by Mairi Gougeon on 25 April 2024
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to the reported warning from industry leaders that the reported £32 million reduction to the forestry and woodland creation budget will lead to 10 million trees being burnt or destroyed in some other way, with the cost of the wastage amounting to losses of £4.5 million for the sector.
Answer
The Scottish Government remains fully committed to maximising the important contribution forestry and tree nurseries make in tackling the climate emergency, in the face of the most challenging budget settlement since devolution from the UK Government. The funding provided will support approximately 9,000 ha of new woodland creation; the highest figure in the UK.
Scottish Forestry is in discussion with the sector and will continue to meet with the forestry and nursery sector to ensure we make the most of the resources available. Scottish Forestry is supporting the industry as best we possibly can, including encouragement to increase using plants for restocking and to access other markets outside of Scotland for their high quality stock, helping to create a more resilient business model for the longer term.