First review of Scottish Government’s progress to make forestry EIA documents available for inspection.
Case Reference: IESS.24.015
Progress Update – Scottish Forestry’s Environmental Impact Assessment Process – 20250908.pdf
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On 5 February 2025, Environmental Standards Scotland (ESS) issued a report on the informal resolution reached with Scottish Forestry on the Scottish Government’s compliance with its duty to make forestry Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) documents available for inspection[1]. ESS found that there was limited information published on Scottish Forestry’s website relating to forestry EIA documentation. This significantly restricted the ability of interested parties to effectively search and request relevant information.
ESS made recommendations for improvement which Scottish Forestry accepted and agreed to implement. The agreed remedial actions included the release of a new public register website, allowing for the direct inspection of forestry EIA documents that are created following the website’s launch. Prior to the publication of the new website, interim measures were agreed and implemented to ensure interested parties were able to make informed requests for relevant forestry EIA documents.
ESS committed to monitor and update publicly on Scottish Forestry’s performance in implementing the remaining remedial actions. This update sets out the outcome of ESS’ first review of Scottish Forestry’s progress between February and August 2025 and should be read in conjunction with ESS’ informal resolution report.
[1] Scottish Forestry is the Scottish Government agency responsible for forestry policy, support and regulations. Copies of forestry EIA documents must be made available for inspection on a website (or by other electronic means) and at an office where they can be inspected at all reasonable hours.