Forestry tourism boost to economy

The crucial role forests play in Britain's tourism economy is highlighted in a new report by the Forestry Commission.

Forests' Role in Tourism explores the economic significance of forest-related tourism in Scotland, England and Wales, and assesses the spending behaviour of tourists in the countryside.

A total of £2.3 billion a year is contributed to the GB economy through spending by tourism visits to woods, the report estimates, around three percent of all tourism spending in GB. And in further analysis of six case study areas across Britain, it reveals that forests play a key role in attracting people to the wider countryside.

Forestry Minister Ben Bradshaw said that the study provides strong evidence that forests and woodlands are a vital resource in generating benefits for the rural economy:

"The study highlights the importance of close integration of woodland and forestry policies with those on tourism, recreation and land use. It also reinforces the case for further development and promotion of multi-benefit forestry by public and private bodies."

The report came from research undertaken by the Macaulay Institute in Aberdeen on behalf of the Forestry Commission. Dr Gary Hill, who led the research, commented "The results demonstrate the important role that forests and woodlands play in influencing people's recreational choices, and represent a major step in understanding forestry's role in the rural economy. The study also provides an economic tool which can inform forest management decisions at both a local and regional level."