Who we are and what we do

We're a progressive agency, passionate about the crucial role trees play in:

• tackling climate change and nature loss
• supporting the economy
• supporting the people of Scotland’s wellbeing

What we do

• develop and lead delivery of Scotland’s Forestry Strategy on behalf of Scottish Ministers  
• regulate the management and protection of forests through a range of regulatory and policy levers  
• act as the Government’s principle policy advisors on forestry to Scottish Ministers  
• provide research and evidence on the social, environmental and economic pillars of sustainable forest management/aspects of forestry  
• lead on the statutory duty to promote sustainable forest management of existing and new woodlands  
• administer grants for:
  • the creation of new woodlands
  • sustainable management of existing woodlands
  • support for land managers and timber transport  
• support the Chief Forester for Scotland  
• deliver cross-border forestry functions including Woodland Carbon Code, economics advice and UK Forestry Standards  
• lead on tree health on behalf of Scottish Ministers and support Scotland’s Chief Plant Health Officer  
• support the financial viability of the forest sector through targeted grant support and blended finance that brings in new revenue streams including the woodland carbon market