Following extensive consultation and input from the public, the forestry industry and public agencies, Aberdeenshire has a new Forestry and Woodland Strategy.

Designed to inform the location, design and management of these highly valued features of our lives and landscapes, it is part of the area’s new Local Development Plan (LDP), a planning blueprint for the area.

The vision: “The forestry and woodlands of the Aberdeenshire Local Development Plan area are resilient to the effects of climate change, protect and enhance the environment, habitats, species and local culture, benefit and support the local and national economy and are valued and enjoyed by people, both residents and visitors.”

Aberdeenshire Council’s Head of Planning and Building Standards, Robert Gray, said: “It is important that this resource is sustainably protected, managed and enhanced.”

The strategy can be found here.