Forestry Commission Scotland is encouraging those within the industry to take part in a new survey that will provide an updated report of the forestry's contribution to Scotland's economy.

The study, which will be in two parts, will look at the economic contribution of the forest industries as a whole, as well as at the economic contribution of the National Forest Estate, which includes non-forestry activities such as renewables developments and agriculture.

A questionnaire will be published in late September and early next month, with a selection of forest owners, businesses and other organisations being asked to take part.

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CJC Consulting will carry out the study on behalf of Forestry Commission Scotland.

Commenting on the survey, Minister for the Environment and Climate Change, Paul Wheelhouse, said: "These are important economic indicators for the Scottish Government's Forestry Strategy and help to inform debate around forestry policy. The last assessment was carried out six years ago and much in the world of forestry has changed since then.

"It is vital that businesses working in the forest industries complete the questionnaire to produce credible, up to date figures that demonstrate the economic value of the industry and employment supported.

"The study will also look at the economic contribution of the National Forest Estate, managed by Forestry Commission Scotland, which in itself will be an important piece of work to inform policy."

The last assessment was undertaken in 2008 and it is thought that the findings of this latest survey will be published in 2015.

(JP/CD)