What progress has been made towards implementing its commitment to the restoration, protection and enhancement of native woodlands.

Various measures have been put in place to help us achieve our native woodland commitments. Stewardship grants are now available from Forestry Commission Scotland to expand the area of native woodland, preferably through natural regeneration and the development of Forest Habitat Networks, and also to improve the ecological value of native woodland. In addition, the Locational Premium grants within the commission’s Scottish Forestry Grant Scheme are now payable for native woodland in many parts of Scotland. The commission’s Scottish Forest Alliance partnership project with BP is progressing very well, aiming to restore 10,000 hectares of native woodland sites across Scotland, whilst initiatives such as the Sunart Oakwoods are demonstrating how local communities can help towards, and benefit from, the enhancement of native woodlands in their areas.