Summary
Our Annual Report and Account for 2023-24.
This is the fifth anniversary of Scottish Forestry (SF) as an Executive Agency, led by Paul Lowe, appointed permanent Chief Executive in December 2023.
Key Achievements:
- 15,040 ha of woodland created — highest in 34 years
- 7,700 ha of native woodland planted — record-breaking
- 13,111 ha of woodland creation schemes approved — highest this century
- £1M allocated to support Scotland’s rainforest restoration
- £2M invested in sustainable timber transport, including an electric HGV trial
Progress on our Strategic Objectives
Sustainable Forest Management
- Enhanced the Forestry Grant Scheme (FGS) to support Net Zero, biodiversity, and rural economy
- Published the 5th edition of the UK Forestry Standard (UKFS)
- Developed the Woodland Carbon Code and improved monitoring using drones and citizen science
- Hosted a Forestry Summit to align sector efforts
People and Culture
- Launched the WOODS programme for Woodland Officers
- Delivered Management of Change training and Women into Leadership initiatives
- Improved induction, learning systems, and internal communications
- Staff turnover: 10%, with 52% of workforce identifying as female
Innovation and Efficiency
- Website redevelopment underway (launch in 2025)
- Improved Management Information (MI) systems and reporting
- Implemented new finance and learning systems
- Progressed office relocations and Net Zero Roadmap
