Industry showcase will celebrate forestry, past, present and future

The Scottish School of Forestry will celebrate ‘Forestry: Past, Present and Future’ with an industry showcase on Saturday 7th September.

The free, family friendly event marks 100 years since the Forestry Act was passed and the Forestry Commission, now Forestry and Land Scotland, was established to restore the country’s woods and forests.

Today, trees cover nearly 18% of land in Scotland, compared to just 5% in the 1920s.

‘Forestry: Past, Present and Future’ runs from 10am and 3pm and will include displays and demonstrations of forest machinery and tools through the ages – from vintage tools with the Sawdust Fusiliers Living History Group to state-of-the-art technology, including virtual reality technology and drones, now being used in the modern day forestry industry.

There will be interactive workshops for the family including bushcraft activities, forest selfies and a chainsaw challenge, as well as displays from the Royal Scottish Forestry Society, Forestry and Land Scotland, the Institute of Chartered Foresters, Trees for Life and Christie Elite, and informal talks from industry leaders.

Scottish School of Forestry staff will also be leading guided walks through their site in Culloden Woods, Balloch, including tree and wildlife identification.

Amanda Bryan, Head of the Scottish School of Forestry, said: “The forestry industry has seen significant changes over the past 100 years – from the end of World War 1 when timber supplies were in short supply, to post-war planting and advancements in technology and mechanical equipment, through to increased recreational use and challenges around conservation, integrated land use and climate change. Through fun, interactive activities, this event will look at how the industry has changed over the years and the exciting opportunities that lie in store for those entering the workforce as the sector responds to the challenges of meeting the Scottish Government’s targets for new woodland, timber processing/production and climate change.”

The event has been organised in association with the Highlands and Islands Forestry Industry Cluster, with support from the Royal Scottish Forestry Society, the Institute of Chartered Foresters and Lantra Scotland.

Food and refreshments will also be available.

The Scottish School of Forestry is the only provider of both Higher Education and Further Education in Forestry in the UK.