This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
Listen
Forest survey seeks public views
26/05/2004
The largest ever survey into the public use of, and
expectations from, Scotland's national forests gets under
way next month.
Following a pilot survey in Inverness-shire and feedback
received during the recent national review of land managed
by Forestry Commission Scotland, researchers will be out
and about in forests right across Scotland seeking the
views of local people and visitors.
It is the first time ever that the entire national
forest estate, including more remote woodlands, is to be
covered by the survey, as previously only high-usage sites
were monitored.
The results will help Forestry Commission Scotland,
together with local people and other partners, determine
where and how they invest in forest recreation and services
for years ahead.
The three-year survey is to be carried for the
Commission by market research company TNS Tourism and
Leisure.
Forestry Minister Allan Wilson said:
"Forest leisure activities play a vital part in
supporting healthy lifestyles, learning and brings economic
benefits to Scotland's tourism industry. Not only do our
national forests draw in tourists from across Scotland and
from other countries, they also provide vitally important
havens which improve the quality of life for the
communities living around them.
"If we want the public to help shape the future use of
their woodlands, and maximise all the benefits from them,
then we need to get their views on what they want and
expect from the national forests they visit. This
comprehensive survey will help the Commission target
resources, improve facilities and make a forest visit an
even better experience."
The Inverness-shire pilot study tested out the research
method to be used. From the results, local forest managers
were able to re-prioritise and re-direct resources to cater
for demand in particular areas and restructure their
staffing to provide a better recreation service to the
public.
During 2004 and 2005 , the survey will look at the
following five forest areas:
- Buchan
- Galloway
- Lochaber
- West Argyll
- Borders
Researchers will choose access points to each of the
forests and count and consult visitors all about their
forest experience.