Planting Statistics: Confidence badly needed to address ‘disappointing’ Scottish tree planting

Richard Hunter, Confor National Manager for Scotland, spoke out after official statistics showed just 7,220 hectares (ha) of new woodland were created in the year to 31 March 2026 - down from 8,470 ha in 2024/25 and a sharp fall from 15,040 ha in 2023/24.

The political ambition to achieve 10,000 ha in 2025/26 was missed, while the Scottish Government’s manifesto commitment to increase annually to 18,000 ha by 2029/30 now looks like a mountain to climb. The figure for new softwood-producing forests (just under 4,000 ha) is of particular concern to the industry in light of recent forecasts of future wood availability.

A dip in planting in England and Wales meant overall woodland creation in the UK was down significantly, with 13,480 ha planted compared to 15,690 ha in 2024/25. 

Richard said: “The planting figures for Scotland are disappointing overall, but not unexpected - due to three very specific barriers which are putting off investors and making it very challenging for the industry.

“Investor confidence is low due to the continued challenge of judicial reviews to high-quality and well-planned planting schemes, driven by small numbers of individuals who often deploy misleading narratives about commercial forestry.

"Second, the Forestry Grant Scheme (FGS) no longer reflects the true cost of planting at current market prices. The costs of planning, surveys, materials and labour have all increased significantly. The intended Scottish Forestry review of FGS taking account of inflation is expected to start soon, but it will likely take two or three years before a new scheme is operational.

“Finally, there is significant variation in how Scottish Forestry staff administer the FGS and engage with the industry across Scotland.

“Confor and its members are working constructively with Scottish Forestry to address all these issues, and some very positive conversations have taken place, but rapid progress is required. It is welcome that the Minister covering forestry Jim Fairlie MSP, recognises that the figures are disappointing - and continues to commit to meeting ambitious planting targets. However, we really need action to show that these targets are genuine, not just numbers in a report or a speech.”

The conifer planting figure of 3,930 ha is a real concern for future timber production.

Richard added: “We must not allow this to become the norm, as current timber forecasts show a worrying downward trend. The industry will continue to highlight the enormous benefits productive forestry brings to Scotland, its environment, and its people - jobs and investment to rural economies, and support for climate-friendly construction. Economic and environmental policy demands more productive planting, but we’re simply not doing enough of it.”

Confor Chief Executive Stuart Goodall stated: "As I said last year, we must deliver the climate of confidence the industry needs to bring forward more high-quality productive planting schemes because they will deliver long-term economic, environmental and social benefits for rural communities across Scotland, and are vital for Scotland’s net zero target.

“Confor and its members have invested significant time in working with Scottish Forestry to identify the biggest challenges to progress and we now need urgent action to be taken. An updated Climate Change Plan was published by Cabinet Secretary Gillian Martin just three months ago which, like the SNP’s manifesto, included a much bigger role for woodland creation. Given Ms Martin’s new position leading on both rural affairs and net zero, she is well-placed to ensure that the required action is taken at pace.”