Local MSP Mary Scanlon asks questions on Native Woodland

14th December 2005

After speaking to BSCG Vice Convener Roy Turnbull Mary Scanlon has asked some important questions in the Scottish Parliament that have bearing on the fate of the Ancient Woodland Site of School Wood and ensuring better planning decisions. We welcome Mary Scanlon's concern on this issue which is a particularly relevant one in the Highlands.

13 December 2005

Mary Scanlon ( Highlands and Islands) ( Con): To ask the Scottish Executive when the conclusions and recommendations of the Scottish Forestry Strategy consultation, which ended in September 2005, will be published.

( S2W-21360)

Rhona Brankin :

An analysis of responses to the consultation document on the Review of the Scottish Forestry Strategy can be viewed on Forestry Commission Scotland’s website at http://www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/infd-6c3dh7. The responses are being taken into account in the preparation of a draft revised Strategy which will be issued for consultation in February.

Mary Scanlon ( Highlands and Islands) ( Con): To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made towards implementing its commitment to the restoration, protection and enhancement of native woodlands.

( S2W-21367)

Rhona Brankin :

Various measures have been put in place to help us achieve our native woodland commitments. Stewardship grants are now available from Forestry Commission Scotland to expand the area of native woodland, preferably through natural regeneration and the development of Forest Habitat Networks, and also to improve the ecological value of native woodland. In addition, the Locational Premium grants within the Commission’s Scottish Forestry Grant Scheme are now payable for native woodland in many parts of Scotland . The Commission’s Scottish Forest Alliance partnership project with BP is progressing very well, aiming to restore 10,000 hectares of native woodland sites across Scotland , whilst initiatives such as the Sunart Oakwoods are demonstrating how local communities can help towards, and benefit from, the enhancement of native woodlands in their areas.

SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE

Mary Scanlon ( Highlands and Islands) ( Con): To ask the Scottish Executive how Scottish Natural Heritage will ensure that its advice to planning authorities is commensurate with the appropriate level of protection and enhancement of ancient and native woodlands.

( S2W-21369)

Rhona Brankin:

This is a matter for SNH but I have no doubt that SNH advice to planning authorities takes due account of the full range of natural heritage interests, including protected areas, sites and species and local considerations such as biodiversity action plans.

SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE

Mary Scanlon ( Highlands and Islands) ( Con): To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that ancient woodlands are central to policies on planning, woodland and forestry.

( S2W-21370)

Rhona Brankin:

National Planning Policy Guideline (NPPG) 14: Natural Heritage notes that planning authorities should seek to protect trees, groups of trees and areas of woodland where they have natural heritage value or contribute to the character or amenity of a particular locality. The policies contained in NPPGs are material considerations to be taken into account in development plan preparation and development control.

The protection, enhancement and expansion of ancient and native woodland are key priorities under the current Scottish Forestry Strategy. Feed-back from public consultation on the review of the Strategy confirms there is strong support for these priorities, and we are now considering how to develop them in the draft revised Strategy which will be issued for consultation in February. To help identify target areas, a Scottish Native Woodlands Survey project is currently being piloted by Forestry Commission Scotland, which aims to create a comprehensive map and database on the extent, type and condition of native woodland, including ancient native woodland. Also, the Commission leads the Native Woodland Partnership for Scotland , a body comprising representatives from government, owners’ associations, professional bodies and NGOs. The Partnership leads the implementation of native woodland habitat action plans, whilst advising on relevant policies, best practice and research. It is currently developing proposed habitat action plan targets which will be considered as part of the Strategy review process.

SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE

14 December 2005

Index Heading: Development Department

Mary Scanlon ( Highlands and Islands) ( Con): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will revise National Planning Policy Guideline 14 on the Natural Environment to take account of the draft revised Scottish Forestry Strategy, due to be published in 2006.

( S2W-21366)

Johann Lamont :

We plan to begin a review of NPPG14 on Natural Heritage in the second quarter of 2006. Although it is too early to say what will be contained in the revised NPPG14, strategies such as the Scottish Forest Strategy will be considered as we take the review forward.