Woodlands come under the microscope

Jan 21 2013 by Gavin Pennie, Paisley Daily Express

Forests and woodlands around Renfrewshire are to be surveyed throughout the year to build up a picture of how many people use them and how often.

Carried out in woodlands managed by the Forestry Commission Scotland, the year-long survey is part of an ongoing national monitoring programme.

During the year, woodlands in Howwood and elsewhere that will be surveyed.

The data being recorded will also find out where people travel from and estimate how much money people will spend in the local area.

Laura Stewart, marketing manager with the Forestry Commission Scotland, said: “Welcoming visitors to our forests is very important on a number of fronts.

“Our forests are often part and parcel of overall tourism strategies and can be big tourism destinations which support local economies.

“On the other hand, our woodlands are vital as they are well used by local communities as popular places for walking, cycling or simply taking the dog for a stroll.

“To help us find out more about our visitors, we will be undertaking this survey throughout the year in a number of forests in the area.

“The information will help the Commission and other organisations get a better picture of what is happening in our forests and woodlands.”

This year’s survey will target a number of forests and woodlands across the Central Belt and follows on from a similar one carried out across Scotland between 2004 to 2007.

The data recorded back then will act as a valuable benchmark for comparison.

Face-to-face interviews will find out some basic background details of visitors, including their age, reason for visiting and how far and how they travelled.

Data on visitor numbers will also be collected from vehicle and people counters.

For more information on the survey visit www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/INFD-5WCMR4