A Forest is For Ever

William E.S. Mutch

Among days worth remembering are surely those of a week in 1988, worthy for their impact on an important part of Scotland. It all started with an idea, a hasty answer I gave to a journalist's question.

To understand those days requires some background. Before 1988 much of the Scottish countryside was busy with Forestry planting by private firms. High income-tax payers, including sportsmen and moneyed media men, could enjoy tax- breaks by investing in tree-planting. As a result, many excellent plantations were created, as well as some that were, frankly, a waste of space and an environmental affront.

Adverse criticism of this tax advantage increased through the nineteen-eighties, opposition founded partly on concern for the conservation of wild land, but also on jealousy: why should wealthy men pay less tax? Political concern followed public opinion and the Chancellor of the Exchequer decided to act. His 1988 budget announced the cancellation of tile regulation upon which the investment by high-income taxpayers depended.

The day following the budget announcement. I received a telephone call from the Agricultural Correspondent of The Scotsman newspaper. I then headed the Department of Forestry and Natural Resources at the University of Edinburgh. Vic spoke about the effect of the budget and told me he had interviewed the managing directors of two private forest management firms. Tilhill and Fountain Forestry, both of whom had pronounced forestry in Scotland was finished.

"They said there won't be any more tree planting in Scotland. Can you confirm that, Bill?"

I replied it was nonsense (although both chief executives were my former students, good friends and thoroughly competent). Of course the budget change would make a difference but I maintained plenty of trees would be planted around Scotland in future years. Vic was not convinced.

"Where will new planting he done?"

I replied there were plenty places for new forests - great opportunities. The firms were downhearted because the arrangements had changed. In truth, I was stalling: I had no idea where future planting might be done. As a good journalist Vic persisted.

"Where will the next new forest be created in Scotland?"

The edge in his voice told me Vic wanted a straight answer- I cast round for a safe reply. Something technically feasible. Economic sense. Not top farming land. Nor bristling with conservation conflicts. I had it!

"Think of all that land between Edinburgh and Glasgow, Vic. It would be better under trees."

Surprisingly, he appeared to be satisfied with this glib answer. That ended the matter and I returned to my work, Vic to his newspaper.

Next morning, to my horror, The Scotsman carried a bold headline: Forestry expert predicts Central Scotland Forest. Apart from naming me as the rash oracle for this dodgy prediction, the column properly drew attention to some of the environmental disasters that argued in favour of action there - the ugly post- industrial dereliction; the coal slag heaps; the enormous red bings from the oil-shale industry; the remnants of iron and steel works; the relics of brick making, clay digging, quarrying; it was an ugly area, depressed and depressing. I regretted having spoken so specifically: and was surprised Vic had taken me seriously. But surely the headline was a one-day wonder. I must grin and bear the leg-pulling. It would pass. People would soon forget.

Mid-morning that same day - I heard later - the Director-General of the Forestry Commission received a telephone call from the Scottish Office, it was from the then Secretary of State for Scotland. Mr Malcolm Rifkind, brisk but giving the impression of injured disappointment at having been short-changed. Why had he not been told about this wonderful opportunity? What opportunity? This great project for a Central Scotland Forest, of course! Why had it been kept under wraps?

Greatly to the Minister's credit, his enthusiasm was not confined to vague endorsement. Mr Rifkind promptly directed the creation of a non-profit-making company to promote the Forest and provided £20 million to kick-start the work.

Twenty years on is a good milestone to review progress - not long in the life of a forest which should be perpetual, but long enough. So, what has been achieved of the Central Scotland Forest and how has it been done?

By any measure, the environment of the area has been massively improved. In 1988 it was bleak and ugly. Eyesores have been removed; derelict land has been forested chemically polluted land has been planted with trees that have the capacity to cleanse it; villages left marooned when the pit or the quarry closed have acquired at least a 'green lung' of community woodland; and new woodlands provide shelter from the wind that sweeps across the upland. The area is more attractive, a better place to live.

How has the change been effected? Certainly not simply by a grant of money from the Government, nor by the work of the Forest Company alone. Rather than the Scottish Office cash 'kick-starting' the process, the trick is better described as 'getting all the donkeys to face the same way'. Those responsible for national development wanted the eyesores removed from the M8 to help inward investment. Every District Council has worked with the Forest Company to plant woodland. Farmers have planted trees for shelter and production, for wood fuel and timber. Industrial firms have landscaped their grounds. Villagers have planted community woodlands, for recreation, screening and shelter. Footpaths have been made, some local for a village, others longer distance routes, and the Army has helped by building bridges and wails. The Forestry Commission, the Forest Company, private firms, local authorities, individuals, community group have all contributed.

From the start, the design strategy has been clear but unusual. The Central Scotland Forest would not be 'wail-to-wall' trees. Rather it must be an intimate mixture of woodland with open space and communities of people, a place for living, working and playing. Since 1988, over 1,000 projects have been completed, and more than 8000 hectares of new woodland planted, fifty kilometres of hedgerows planted, 400 kilometres of new paths, cycleways and bridlepaths made.

The best evidence the Central Scotland Forest was a smart idea came with the announcement, three years later, that England would have an identical project, the National Forest in Leicestershire: that was sincere flattery, the best endorsement. The idea that came into my head that day in 1988 was a thoroughly good one and my days with the Forest Company a pleasure and a pride. Good for Central Scotland. Just as a dog is not for Christmas', a forest is for ever. Provided it is cared for, the Central Scotland Forest is potentially everlasting. Can one ask more from a Day like That?