Moray Council has approved its new Woodland and Forestry strategy, following a meeting of the Planning and Regulatory Services Committee on Tuesday, 11 March. The strategy, developed with input from various experts, will provide a framework for decisions regarding woodland creation, forest management, and associated funding.

The strategy is primarily intended for use by landowners and managers, Scottish Forestry, Moray Council, and other stakeholders. It aims to support Scotland's transition to net zero, as well as contribute to the Scottish Government's objectives of reversing biodiversity loss, enhancing community health and well-being, and promoting sustainable development and economic growth.


Moray is one of Scotland's most heavily wooded regions, with 34% of its land area covered by woodland.

Chair of Moray Council's Planning and Regulatory Committee, Cllr David Gordon, said: "The Woodland and Forestry strategy is an important step in ensuring that Moray continues to play its part in supporting local communities and the economy."