Internationally there is now a strong presumption against deforestation (which accounts for 18% of the world's greenhouse gas emissions). Reflecting this, in June 2008 Scottish Ministers approved a policy on control of woodland removal which seeks to protect the existing forest resource in Scotland, and supports woodland removal (deforestation) only where it would achieve significant and clearly defined additional public benefits. In some cases, including those associated with development, a proposal for compensatory planting may form part of this balance.
For Section 36 projects (projects over 50MW) which had Consent applications submitted prior to 1 September 2008, FCS will not request application of the policy. However FCS would still encourage developers to give voluntary consideration to the use of appropriate woodland management options (such as low intensity, low height woodland) that might reduce or avoid the need for woodland removal and hence enhance the carbon, biodiversity and landscape potential of their proposals.
For Section 36 Consent applications which were submitted to Scottish Ministers after 1 September 2008 but before 1st Sept 2009, FCS and the SG Consents team will, where appropriate, work with developers to agree how this policy might be best adopted within the application. [However, where Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS) or statutory consultees did not raise objections or legitimate concerns about deforestation at the time of the Section 36 consents application, and where the time has now passed for comment, application of the policy will not be sought, although the developer may, of course, choose to apply it voluntarily].
From 1st Sept 2009 the policy applies to all new Consents applications or schemes submitted for scoping of Section 36 projects