Benefits for people and communities

Scotland’s woods and forests deliver multiple benefits, including through timber production, as well as recreation and tourism.

To fully realise the benefits that forests have to offer, they need to be sustainably managed.

What goes in to managing a woodland?

The benefits they can deliver include economic benefits, as well as environmental benefits, such as helping us to:

• tackle climate change and adapt to it

Managing woodlands to combat climate change

• address biodiversity loss

Managing woodlands for biodiversity

They also deliver a range of other benefits to the people and communities of Scotland. 

Outdoor learning connects children with the natural world, leading to long-term environmental awareness and understanding.

It also supports children to thrive and learn in a stimulating environment. Sessions positively impact:

• physical, cognitive, social and emotional development 
• health and wellbeing 
• self-esteem and confidence

Most of Scotland’s forests and woodlands are located in rural areas. 

However, it is important that people living in our towns and cities have the opportunity to benefit from woods and forests too.

Find out more about our work to support the creation and management of Woods In and Around Town.

Woods In and Around Towns

We also promote the meaningful engagement of communities in decision-making about forestry.

Community engagement in decisions about forestry