Responsibilities of managing a woodland

The legislation around forestry in Scotland

The Forestry and Land Management(Scotland) Act 2018. This is the core piece of legislation for enabling the management of forestry. It and other regulations set out the requirements around:

• gaining permissions for felling
• the need for restocking

Adherence to the UK Forestry Standard (UKFS)

You must ensure all management activities align with the UKFS. This sets out legal requirements and best practices for sustainable forest management.

Biodiversity and Habitat Protection

There are laws regarding the protection of existing habitats and species. 

You need to ensure measures to enhance biodiversity, such as maintaining a mix of tree species and age classes.

Pest and Disease Management

You must monitor and manage tree health by controlling pests and diseases. 

Sustainable Harvesting

You need to plan and execute timber harvesting sustainably. This ensures regeneration and long-term productivity of the woodland.

Transporting harvested timber

You need to be aware of the effect that the transportation of timber has on the roads network around your forest. 

You may need to agree a timber transport management plan with the local authority.

Environmental Impact

You need to assess and mitigate any negative environmental impacts, such as:

• soil erosion
• water pollution

Community Engagement

You should engage with local communities and stakeholders to ensure the woodland meets social and recreational needs.

Public access

There are laws in place around allowing public access across land in Scotland. 

You need to be mindful of maintaining access, including during forestry operations. 

There may be a requirement for you to engage with your local authority around access rights.

Health and safety

If you are a landowner, you have legal responsibilities towards the health and safety of those accessing your land. 

This is still true when you commission others to undertake work.

Regular Monitoring and Reporting

You must conduct regular assessments of woodland health and report findings as required by regulatory bodies.

Managing invasive and non-native species

There are legal requirements around what species you can plant in the wild in Scotland. 

You may be required to remove any trees or shrubs that are invasive or non-native.

You should also be aware of the impact that approved species might have on other habitats. 

This is particularly relevant around sites that have specific protections.