Case study in Scotland

The case study in Scotland is implemented in the Cairngorms National Park. This case study is both forest-defined and industry-defined. It will explore how changes in forest management will affect the rest of the forest wood chain and also how changes in industry operation will affect forest and consumption techniques.

The Cairngorms National Park is Britain's largest National Park. It contains within it a wide and varied range of mountainous landscapes, diverse wildlife, and unique habitats. The National Park is also home to about 16 000 people, living in substantial towns and smaller villages, and has a low population density of 4.2 people per square kilometre.

Tourism is a significant and lucrative area with related businesses accounting for about 80% of the economy. It is estimated that at least 1.4 million people visited the Park in 2007.

Within the Cairngorms National Park, the Scottish case study will focus on two forests: Strath Mashie and Inshriach. Both are located on public Forestry Commission land, and are mainly comprised of Scots pine ( Pinus sylvestris) and Sitka spruce ( Picea sitchensis).

Download the case study map in pdf-format for greater detail.

Full case study description here.

Progress report April 2010