Survey shows forestry has high level of public support
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A new survey has shown high support for forestry in Scotland, with 80 per cent agreeing that a lot more trees should be planted to tackle climate change.
And 81 per cent of those who took part agreed there was at least one benefit from forestry worth supporting with public money.
Over half cited that they would like to see public funds in forestry going towards woodlands that provide wildlife habitats and help to tackle climate change.
Fifty-five per cent said they would like to see more woodland in their own area and only three per cent said they would not like to see more trees in their locality.
The results are contained within the Public Opinion of Forestry survey which is carried out every two years by the Forest Research agency. More than 1000 people across Scotland responded.
Scotland's rural affairs secretary Mairi Gougeon said: “It is encouraging to see that the survey highlights there is strong support for planting trees for climate change and wildlife as these are the two of the biggest crises that we face.
“Scotland has the most ambitious woodland expansion programme in the UK but we are undertaking this in a careful and considered way, with the aim of getting the right trees in the right place.
“It is good that people see the benefit of using public money for forestry as it provides multiple benefits and supports rural economies. We all need to build on this public support and continue to create forests and woodlands that provide environmental, economic and social benefits for all.”
Over three-quarters (77 per cent) of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that "trees are good because they remove carbon dioxide from the air and store it in wood".
Eighty-two per cent had visited forests or woodlands in the past 12 months, with walking being by far the most popular activity.
Eighty per cent said they can relax and de-stress in woodland, while 40 per cent agreed that public money should be spent on forestry if it supports the economy in rural areas.
