Recommendation 11

The Committee highlights evidence from industry stakeholders that a sustained level of public funding is essential to give confidence to forestry businesses and peatland specialists to invest in the skilled workforce and equipment needed to increase their capacity to deliver the Scottish Government’s LULUCF targets. The Committee heard how previous cuts to the Forestry Grants Scheme stalled progress in the sector’s woodland creation activities. The Committee requests further information on how the Scottish Government will finance tree planting and peatland restoration over the longer term, including its position on multi-annual funding.