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Working with Communities in Scotland - Our Commitment
Prepared by Forest Enterprise (undated)
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Content
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The Forestry Commissions forests and associated open land managed by Forest
Enterprise are owned by the nation. Listening to and working with local people - urban and
rural communities and national stakeholders is an increasingly important and major
part of our work. This statement sets out where Forest Enterprise as a public agency
stands on community involvement as a contribution towards the Governments
commitments on sustainable forest management, rural development, urban renewal and land
reform in Scotland.
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Forest Enterprise is committed to increasing the involvement of people and communities
in the sustainable management of the Forestry Commission estate through providing:
Over the past 5-years considerable progress has been made with the advent of nearly 40
community projects, involving Forestry Commission forests and our staff, across Scotland.
All are unique; there is no standard model. What they do share is the recognition that
successful partnerships require a broad understanding of all points of view and a
commitment from all players to work together to make the best use of available resources.
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Based on our experience, the need to support and guide our staff and local communities
we have published some guidance entitled Forest Enterprise Working with
Communities. In addition, in conjunction with other agencies and the Forestry
Commission we are also preparing a set of case studies for publication.
We will facilitate and provide opportunities for involvement
of local communities in the management of Forestry Commission land wherever feasible.
We will prepare and publish a document clearly explaining our approach to community
involvement.
Existing community partnerships will continue to be sustained and developed whilst
actively promoting the opportunities for new projects.
We will develop Forest Panels as a means of developing a dialogue with local experts on
all aspects of sustainable forest management.
We will develop participative planning through trail Forest for Real programme.
In partnership where possible with other key agencies, we will explore by means of
pilots, the merits of community forestry facilitators.
We will consult local communities over the development of
forest plans covering Forestry Commission land, and ensure that such plans are prepared in
an integrated manner involving other public/private bodies for the benefit of local
communities.
Make available information for local communities on how Forest Enterprise
approaches forest design and other Forest Enterprise development s on the Forestry
Commission estate.
As a matter of course we will provide the opportunity for community councils and Local
Authorities to be consulted on forest design plans, the timing and conduct of harvesting
operations and the introduction of significant environmental, heritage, recreation, access
and interpretation projects.
Provide on site information on forest plans and operations in areas of significant
public access.
Develop closer working relationships with other public and private sector bodies to
deliver a more integrated approach for the benefit of local communities.
Develop integrated land use planning at local/catchment scale.
We will inform and consult local communities about any
significant changes in the management of Forestry Commission land administration,
acquisition, disposals and developments.
Advise prospective developers with an interest in a development opportunity on the
Forestry Commission estate that they are expected to engage/consult local communities
about their plans in tandem with the planning system.
Improve the opportunities for local communities to buy surplus woodland, land and
property identified by the Forestry Commissioners.
Extend the social and economic sponsorship arrangements from woodlands to include other
surplus property assets.
Make the names of purchasers of Forestry Commission property available to the public.
Keep local people advised of significant changes or issues via the local media and
through direct contact.
We will optimise the opportunities for employment of local
people.
Ensure that local people are made aware of employment opportunities within the
bounds of fair and open competition.
All permanent employment opportunities are advertised in job centres and the local
press.
Prepare guidance on the Forest Enterprise tendering system, which ensures that in
employing contract labour the impact on local employment, is one of the factors taken into
account.
In constructing tenders for contract work, have regard with respect to size and timing
of contract work to the local employment implications.
Facilitate discussions between Local Enterprise Companies (LECs) and organisations such
as the Forestry Contracting Association to help the provision of suitable training
opportunities and support for small business start up.
We will develop a good relationship with those who live and
work on or near Forestry Commission land.
Implement, maintain and develop Service First** to take account of local
community interests, neighbours, tenants and contractors.
Work towards achieving Charter Mark Awards** by means of pilot in parts of
Forest Enterprise.
Run training events for all relevant staff to ensure that they are well informed on
community involvement strategy, the tools and techniques, which are available, and to
improve their skills for working with people.
We will participate in local sustainable developments, which
contribute to local economies and fulfil our national business and environmental
commitments.
Seek to develop more opportunities for the creation of local enterprises based on
the resources and opportunities provided by Forestry Commission forests, land and other
assets.
Liaise with other public bodies to ensure as far as possible a co-ordinated approach.
Network experience and best practice by publishing case studies and monitor the
effectiveness of different types of community involvement.
Investigate how the Forestry Commission crofting estate could be more fruitfully
managed for the benefit of local communities.
We will ensure that all local staff are clearly identifiable
and accessible to the public and subscribe to the Service First** Standards.
All staff subscribe to the needs of the public through the Service First**
programme.
All key localities on the Forestry Commission estate identify Forestry Commission
ownership and local managers contact details.
Staff are readily identifiable through corporate clothing, badging and livery on
vehicles.
As part of an effective external communications strategy all staff contacts in and on
the Forestry Commission website are clear and easily understood.
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Charter Mark**
Charter Mark is the Governments award scheme for recognising and encouraging
excellence in public service. It is unique among quality schemes in the way it
concentrates on results the service the customer actually receives.
Service First**
Service First is the governments programme for improving the quality of public
services. And for ensuring that they respond to the needs and wishes of the people who use
them.
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Ask for a copy of our booklet, Working with Communities in Britain How to Get
Involved.
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For further information on the management of the Forestry Commission Estate in your
area contact the relevant Forest Enterprise Scotland Office:
North Region |
South Region |
- Forest Enterprise Scotland
- (North Region)
- 21 Church Street
- Inverness IV1 1EL
- Tel: 01463 232 811
- Fax: 01463 243 846
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- Forest Enterprise Scotland
- (South Region)
- 55-57 Moffat Road
- Dumfries DG1 1NP
- Tel: 01387 272 440
- Fax: 01387 251 491
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Northern Districts |
Southern Districts |
- Dornoch Tel: 01862 810 359
- Inverness Tel: 01463 791 575
- Moray Tel: 01343 820 223
- Buchan Tel: 01466 794 161
- Kincardine Tel: 01330 844 537
- Tay Tel: 01350 727 284
- Fort Augustus Tel: 01320 366 322
- Lochaber Tel: 01397 702 184
- Lorne Tel: 01631 566 155
- West Argyll Tel: 01546 602 518
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- Cowal Tel: 01369 840 666
- Aberfoyle Tel: 01877 382 383
- Scottish Lowlands Tel: 01555 660 190
- Galloway Tel: 01671 402 420
- Ae Tel: 01387 860 247
- Scottish Borders Tel: 01750 721 120
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Headquarters |
Internet |
- Chief Executive
- Forest Enterprise
- 231 Corstorphine Road
- Edinburgh EH12 7AT
- Tel: 0131 334 0303
- Fax: 0131 334 3047
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www.forestry.gov.uk |
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