Perth and Kinross Forestry and Woodland Strategy (Draft)
Perth and Kinross Council · 26 August 2026
Back to Economy and Infrastructure Committee — 26 August 2026 and its agenda
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Our vision is a Perth and Kinross where everyone can live life well, free from poverty and inequality ___________________________________________________________________ Committee or Board: Economy and Infrastructure Date of Meeting: 26 August 2026 Report Title: Perth and Kinross Forestry and Woodland Strategy (Draft) Report Number: 26/222 Report Author: Ciara Gray, Principal Planning Officer, and Joanna Dick, Tree & Biodiversity Officer, Development Plans Team Organisational Lead: Serge Merone, Strategic Lead - Economy, Development and Planning ___________________________________________________________________ 1. Purpose 1.1 This report presents the draft of the Perth and Kinross Forestry and Woodland Strategy (the draft FWS) which will provide a strategic framework for the development of forestry and woodlands across the area. 1.2 The draft FWS will: • Set out a local interpretation of the Scottish Forestry Strategy (2019- 2029); • Identify areas where the Council (PKC) will support proposals for woodland creation and expansion, which will inform the relevant part of Local Development Plan 3’s (LDP3) Spatial Strategy; • Identify priority activities which PKC will encourage, and for which Scottish Forestry Funding is available; • Inform Development Management decisions (including proposals for woodland creation and removal); • Inform consultation responses from PKC to Scottish Forestry, land and forestry owners and managers, on forest management and woodland creation proposals, and • Assist with the development and approval of Long-Term Forest Plans and Forest Management Plans. 1.3 This report provides a summary of the content of the draft FWS and changes since the current adopted FWS due to updated requirements under the
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Planning (Scotland) 2019 Act and National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4). The report seeks consent to proceed to public and key stakeholder consultation and engagement. 1.4 Sections 1. Purpose 2. Recommendation 3. Background/ Main Issues 4. Conclusion 5. Impact and Value Assessment 6. Strategic Environmental Assessment 7. Appendices 2. Recommendation It is recommended that the Committee: 2.1 Approve the draft Perth and Kinross Forestry and Woodland Strategy (Appendix 1) to proceed to public and key stakeholder consultation and engagement. 3. Background/ Main Issues Historic Information/ Context 3.1 For over 100 years, there has been a positive Government policy supporting the effective growth and stewardship of forestry and woodlands within Scotland. The most recent ‘Scotland’s Forestry Strategy (2019-2029)’, provides an overview of modern Scottish forestry; sets the Scottish Government’s 50-year vision for the nation’s forests and woodlands, and outlines a 10-year framework for action towards achieving that vision and the Scottish Government’s target to increase forest and woodland cover to 21% of the total area of Scotland by 2032. 3.2 The National Strategy seeks to put forestry policy at the centre of government, to help deliver the aims of the National Planning Framework, and to support the vision, objectives and principles of Scotland’s Land Use Strategy. At its core are the sustainable forest management standards and the need to adhere to the principle of ‘the right tree, in the right place, for the right purpose’. 3.3 The adopted Perth and Kinross FWS was originally produced in 2014, and was reviewed in 2020 to ensure that, due to its status as a piece of Local Development Plan Supplementary Guidance, that it aligned with the newly adopted Local Development Plan 2. The overall purpose of that FWS was to provide a guide to the future development of woodlands and forests in Perth and Kinross. It identified priorities to be delivered through themes and objectives, which were used to help guide the actions and decisions of the Council, partner agencies and other stakeholders. The themes and objectives
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within the FWS related closely to the Scottish Forestry Strategy in place at that time and sought to promote sustainable forest management with a wide range of economic, social and environmental benefits. Need for an Updated Strategy 3.4 Although the Planning (Scotland) Act 2019 removed planning guidance as part of the statutory development plan, it also introduced, under Section 53, a legislative requirement for planning authorities to prepare a forestry and woodland strategy which: • Identifies woodlands of high nature conservation value (WHNCV), and • Sets out the authority’s proposals as to the development of forestry and woodlands; the protection and enhancement of woodlands (particularly those WHNCV); the resilience of woodlands to climate change, and the expansion of woodlands of a range of types to provide multiple benefits. 3.5 NPF4, under Policy 6: Forestry, woodlands and trees, sets out an expectation that Local Development Plan spatial strategies should include those matters prescribed under the Act (as bulleted above at 3.4) and that this would be ‘supported and informed by an up-to-date Forestry and Woodland Strategy.’ Policy 6 also requires LDPs to ‘…identify and protect existing woodland and the potential for its enhancement or expansion to avoid habitat fragmentation and improve ecological connectivity, helping to support and expand nature networks.’ 3.6 Whilst it is considered, for the most part, that the current adopted FWS remains relevant, it is important to carry out an update to ensure that it is fully aligned with the National Strategy and meets the requirements of the 2019 Act and the expectations of NPF4, particularly in relation to the identification of woodlands of high nature conservation value; the resilience of the area’s woodlands to climate change, and the requirement for local authorities to prepare up-to-date strategies to inform the development of new LDPs. The review has not led to significant changes to the existing Strategy, but it has allowed for those updates at a national level, in terms of outcomes, priorities and policy drivers to be reflected in the draft FWS. The Draft Strategy’s Purpose, Vision, Priorities and Contributing Themes 3.7 The draft FWS will provide a Perth and Kinross context to the most recent Scottish Forestry Strategy; providing guidance and policy to help inform decisions about individual planting schemes and the location of all types of new woodland. It will guide forestry towards appropriate locations to minimise the likelihood of undesirable environmental or social outcomes. 3.8 It aims to address uncertainties for land managers by identifying areas where PKC will support proposals for woodland creation, and areas where there may be sensitivities or constraints to woodland expansion. It also identifies priority
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activities that the Council will encourage, and for which funding will be available from Scottish Forestry. 3.9 Forestry is not subject to full planning controls; however, all aspects of forest management are closely regulated, with operations such as planting, restocking thinning and felling requiring permission from Scottish Forestry. PKC is a non-statutory consultee to Scottish Forestry for long term forestry plans, land management plans, felling permissions and woodland creation proposals. The Council also provide advice to applicants as part of the due diligence process. The updated draft FWS will help inform the Council’s responses to those consultations. 3.10 Although the vision in the adopted FWS sits well with the National Strategy’s vision it does not specifically highlight the importance of implementing sustainable forest management, and achieving better integration with other land uses to deliver more resilient and adaptable trees, woodlands and forests, in response to a changing climate and nature crisis, to realise multiple benefits for people and nature. As such it has been updated in the draft FWS to the following: 3.11 “In 2046, trees, woodlands and forests are valued, protected and enhanced through all land uses contributing towards sustainable development. Woodlands and forests are utilised as nature-based solutions contributing towards climate change mitigation and adaptation. Native and ancient woodlands are protected, restored and well managed to create well connected nature networks. Productive forests are diverse, climate-resilient, multi-purpose, multi-benefit and sustainable. 3.12 Woodlands and forests provide multiple benefits for nature and people and offer opportunities for people to connect with nature. Communities in Perth and Kinross enjoy access to inclusive and biodiverse woodlands and forests within easy reach, connected by nature-rich blue-green networks that support climate resilience, healthier lives and fair access for all ages. Communities are consulted and forewarned of proposed tree, woodland and forestry proposals in their local surroundings and engaged in community woodlands. Perth and Kinross is an area of exceptional trees, woods and forests, which enhance the natural and cultural environment, support and strengthen the local economy adding value where possible and are accessible to local people and visitors alike across a range of activities and interests.” 3.13 To deliver this vision, the draft FWS identifies the following 5 priorities and 10 contributing themes. For each of those contributing themes, a set of objectives have also been identified in the document to help support delivery. Priority Contributing Theme(s) Forests and Climate Change – improving the resilience of our forests and woodlands, and maximising their role in addressing climate change 1. Climate Change Mitigation, Adaptation and Resilience
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Priority Contributing Theme(s) Natural Assets, Environmental Quality, and Biodiversity - Maximising the role of forests and woodlands in contributing to the quality of the environment, and tackling the global nature crisis 2. Protect and enhance the environmental quality of our natural resources (air, water, soil) 3. Help to protect, restore, maintain, and enhance biodiversity across Perth and Kinross 4. Contribute to and help improve our landscapes and scenery 5. Help make the most of our historic environment Forests and the Economy – Maximising the role of forests and woodlands in supporting the economy of Perth and Kinross 6. Productive Forests 7. Sustaining Thriving Rural Communities Forests, Woodlands and People – Maximising the role of forests and woodlands to improve the quality of life of residents of Perth and Kinross 8. Access for Health and Wellbeing 9. Integration with Other Land Uses Expanding our Forest and Woodland Resource 10. Identifying Preferred and Potential Areas for New Woodland Creation Proposed Policy Guidance 3.14 The draft FWS contains policy guidance for a number of specific topic matters which will help inform and support decision-making processes, including on: • Diversifying existing woodland enhancing species diversity in response to the climate change crisis; • Better connecting and expanding habitat networks; • Protecting and restoring peatlands and wetlands; • Expanding urban forests to provide multiple benefits for people, places, species and climate change adaptation; • Expansion of native riparian woodland; • Protection and enhancement of the area’s air, water and soils; • Protection, enhancement and restoration of areas designated for nature conservation purposes; • Protection of protected species and their habitats; • Protection, enhancement and restoration of rare and important habitats; • Encouraging long-term sustainable deer management; • Identification, protection, restoration and connection of woodlands of high nature conservation value; • Safeguarding and enhancement of the area’s important landscapes, wildland areas; • Promoting good stewardship of the historic environment through design and management; • Promoting sustainable forest management and good forestry practice;
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• Maximizing the role of forests and woodlands in supporting the area’s economy; • Maintaining and improving access for health and wellbeing; • Promoting greater land use integration; and • The sustainable expansion of our forest and woodland estate. Proposed WHNCV and Areas of Preferred, Potential and Sensitive 3.15 Both the 2019 Planning Act and NPF4 ask planning authorities to identify woodlands of high nature conservation value (WHNCV). Scottish Forestry’s recent Technical Note on Preparing a Forestry and Woodland Strategy (2026) describes these woodlands as: • Native woodland and scrub as identified by the Native Woodland Survey of Scotland, • Ancient woodland and ancient semi-natural woodland, including Plantations on Ancient Woodland Sites (PAWS) and Long-Established woodlands of Plantation Origin (LEPO), • Woodland that is integral to the value of designated or special sites (SACs, SPAs, SSSIs, Ramsar Sites, and National Nature Reserves (NNRs), and • Wood pasture. 3.16 The Council has combined the above relevant spatial data to produce a map of proposed woodland of high nature conservation value, which is included within both the draft FWS (Map 3 - page 30). This map will be consulted on as part of the engagement exercises for the draft Strategy and its Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA). It will be amended, as appropriate, following a review of feedback received. 3.17 As previously mentioned in this report, the 2019 Act and NPF4 require planning authorities to set out their proposals as to the development of forestry and woodlands within their area. In terms of new woodland in a FWS, Scottish Forestry’s 2026 Technical Note highlights that indicative maps are typically used to “identify areas according to how easily they could accommodate new woodland”, and these are usually categorised as ‘preferred’, ‘potential’, and ‘sensitive’ land areas. The commonly understood definition for these categories is also provided within the Note, and woodland creation grant applications in any of these areas will need to meet the requirements of the UK Forestry Standard and Forestry Grant Scheme. 3.18 Maps of the indicative ‘Preferred’, ‘Potential’, and ‘Sensitive’ land areas for new woodland within the Perth and Kinross area have been included within the draft FWS (Pages 47-50) . It will also be consulted on as part of the consultation process for the draft Strategy, and will be updated, as appropriate, in line with feedback received. It is important to note that these maps are indicative, and these areas are represented at a strategic scale. However, site-specific ecological and National Vegetation Classification (NVC) surveys will be required to inform woodland and forestry proposals. These requirements are set out in the draft FWS.
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Existing Resource and Future Potential Existing Resource 3.19 The area has a rich legacy of planted woodland and some of the earliest initiatives to re-establish woodland in Scotland started in Perth and Kinross with the Planting Dukes. Ancient woodland, semi-natural woodland and planted native woodland including oak woodlands, coppiced woodlands and lines of trees on drives to big houses also contribute towards the landscape and biodiversity value of the area. Considering this woodland heritage and tradition, it is no surprise that these woodlands have been a major contributor to the area’s tourism industry, by helping to provide a scenic backdrop which attracts visitors. 3.20 In 2025, the National Forest Inventory (NFI) identified 99,353 hectares of woodland in Perth and Kinross, covering 21.3% of the Local Development Plan (and draft FWS) area. The species composition of that cover is: • 38.3% is Conifer • 16.6% Broadleaved • 1.5% Mixed (Mainly Broadleaved) • 1.5% Mixed (Mainly Conifer) 3.21 The area’s semi-natural woodlands and associated wildlife are extremely important. The most recent Native Woodland Survey of Scotland 2025 identifies that within the Perth and Kinross (LDP and draft FWS area) there are 23,424 hectares (Ha) of Native Woodland, which equates to 23.6% of the overall woodland cover across the area, and 5% of the total land area. A breakdown of the NWSS also tells us that: • 0.6% (556.9 Ha) of the area’s total woodland cover is Nearly Native; • 2.5% (2,430 Ha) is Plantations on Ancient Woodlands Sites (PAWS), and • 1.9% (1,886.2 Ha) is Open Land Habitat. 3.22 These areas include a number of important sites, such as the Caledonian pinewoods of Rannoch and Meggernie, and the oakwoods of Lochearnside and Strathtay. There are also many important remnant oakwoods, formerly managed for bark and charcoal production in the 18th and 19th centuries. In addition, individual specimen trees, such as the Fortingall Yew, help contribute towards the area’s rich tree and woodland heritage. 3.23 Furthermore, they have a high priority for management and enhancement, as well as a degree of legal protection. Many native woodlands in the area are highly semi-natural in their present structure and composition, with 58.3% of the total area of native woodland in the 80-100% semi-natural category. 3.24 Priority habitat types in Perth and Kinross include: • Native conifers: Scottish Pinewoods, Yew and Juniper • Upland Birchwoods
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• Wet Woodlands • Upland Oakwoods • Upland Mixed Ashwoods • Lowland Mixed Broadleaf (Deciduous) Woodlands • Aspen • Traditional Orchard • Planted Coniferous Woodlands (especially the woodland edge/glades) 3.25 Some of the key woodland sites identified in the Tayside Local Biodiversity Action Plan (2016-2026) include: • Black Wood of Rannoch: Caledonian Pinewood • Glenartney: Juniper Woodland • Birks of Aberfeldy • Upper Farrochil and Strath Tumme: Upland Birchwood • Methven Woods: Lower Mixed Broadleaf • Drummond Hill: Planted Coniferous Woodland • Strathtay Estate: Upland Mixed Ashwood • Megginch Castle: Traditional Orchard • Loch Clunie: Wet Woodland 3.26 Maps contained within the SEA Environmental Report for the draft FWS show the spatial distribution of the area’s current woodland and forestry resource. Future Potential 3.27 An analysis of the various spatial datasets, which were collated to formulate the Preferred, Potential, Sensitive and Unsuitable categories within the draft FWS, identifies that in addition to the existing 99,353 hectares of forests and woodlands across the area, there is the potential for up to: • 70,190 hectares of Preferred (14.9% of the draft FWS area) • 136,448 hectares of Potential (28.9% of the draft FWS area) 3.28 If the Preferred area were to be planted during the lifetime of the draft FWS this could bring the existing coverage figure up to 36% of the strategy area. If the Potential area were also delivered, this could increase that coverage up to 65%. Engagement to Date 3.29 As part of the preparation of the Evidence Report for LDP3, the Development Plans Team produced and consulted on a series of topic papers. These papers set out the evidence collated and reviewed on each of the NPF4 national policies topics, and the Council’s summary of implications of those sources of evidence for the development of the Proposed Plan. Topic Paper 007: Forestry, Woodlands and Trees and Issue 004 of our LDP3 Evidence Report set out much of the data and information which helped inform the development of the draft FWS. The Council consulted a range of key
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stakeholders on the paper, who provided comments, including NatureScot, Scottish Water, Scottish Forestry, and Historic Environment Scotland. Some of the stakeholders in response suggested additional sources of information which have been considered as part of the SEA for the draft FWS. 3.30 Engagement with Elected Members on the topic of Forestry, Woodlands and Trees (including the likely direction of development of the draft FWS) was also carried out as part of the Evidence Report preparation process, and a presentation was provided to a meeting of the Convenor and Vice Convenor of the Climate Change and Sustainability Committee earlier this year to outline the draft Strategy’s purpose; vision, priorities and contributing themes; proposed woodland of high nature conservation value coverage, and the list of considerations to be taken into account in identifying the ‘Preferred’, ‘Potential’, and ‘Sensitive’ areas for woodland and tree planting across Perth and Kinross. 3.31 Consultations have also been carried out on specific areas of interest with Community Greenspace, the Council’s Land Restoration Officer, Conservation Officers, Planning Enforcement Officer (Trees), the Roads Maintenance Partnership, and Scottish Forestry (Perth and Argyll Conservancy). 3.32 NatureScot, Historic Environment Scotland and SEPA were consulted on the SEA Scoping Report. Their comments were reviewed and used to refine the SEA methodology and some of the background data and information reported in the Environmental Report. 3.33 If agreed, the public and key stakeholder consultation and engagement will provide further opportunities to receive feedback and inputs. 4. Conclusion 4.1 This report provides an overview of the draft of the Perth and Kinross Forestry and Woodland Strategy (the draft FWS) which will provide a strategic framework for the development of forestry and woodlands across the area. Following consideration of this report the draft FWS will be published for a period of consultation and engagement. The document will then be reviewed in light of any feedback received during that consultation process and a revised version will be brought before this Committee at a later date to provide an update on suggested changes and to seek permission to finalise and publish the FWS. 5. Impact and Value Assessment 5.1 Perth ad Kinross Forestry and Woodland Strategy (Draft) Impact and Value Assessment
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6. Strategic Environmental Assessment 6.1 Supplementary Guidance - Forestry and Woodland Strategy - Perth & Kinross Council 7. Appendices 7.1 Appendix 1 - Draft Forestry and Woodland Strategy (2026)