Fife Council has launched a draft Forestry and Woodland Strategy, and is seeking a broad range of views and opinions on the role and future of trees, forests and woodlands across the region.

Feedback on the consultation is vital to ensure the strategy reflects the priorities, needs, and aspirations of the people and communities of Fife.

This updates and refreshes the 2013 Fife Forestry and Woodland Strategy. It proposes new targets on woodland coverage and places a greater emphasis on the impacts of climate change and addressing biodiversity challenges.

Councillor Jan Wincott, Fife Council Spokesperson for Environment and Climate Change, said: “We are inviting feedback on the updated Fife Forestry and Woodland Strategy at www.fife.gov.uk/forestrystrategy This strategy is set to play a crucial role in developing the draft strategy that will guide woodland and forestry planning in the years ahead.

“Together, we need to make forestry work to enhance biodiversity, capture and store carbon, and benefit people and communities.

“This strategy celebrates our rich woodland and will help shape of our forest of tomorrow. Trees are vital to our future, supporting jobs, crafts and skills locally as well as our move to net -zero. By contributing to this consultation, local communities and organisations will help to shape a strategy that supports a more sustainable, diverse, and resilient natural environment.”

A workshop held in January 2025 marked a key milestone in shaping Fife’s revised Forestry and Woodland Strategy. The event brought together stakeholders, including members of the Fife Environmental Partnership, key agencies, local and national forestry and woodland groups and forestry companies to have their say.

The consultation on the draft document provides an opportunity for a wider audience to have their say on the strategy. To find out more and to input visit www.fife.gov.uk/forestrystrategy The consultation will be open until midnight on Monday 7 July 2025.

The strategy will be delivered and monitored by partners including Fife Climate Forest. Fife Climate Forest is a partnership of national, regional and local organisations led by Fife Council and Climate Action Fife. It aims to protect and expand tree cover in Fife to improve biodiversity and combat climate change.

The draft strategy is presented in an interactive storymap with more detail provided in a supporting document.

The draft strategy has been developed by consultants LUC in partnership with Fife Council and Fife Coast and Countryside Trust.