Forest Recreation

Rights to roam, community buyouts and changing attitudes have combined to give afforrestation in the Highlands and Islands a lifestyle makeover.

Trees are no longer solely a cash crop to feed the construction and paper-making industries. They are now nature experiences for visitors to reconnect with their environment, to relax and enjoy…or tear through on mountain bikes. Forestry recreation, whether in the form of nature trails, wildlife walks or cycle tracks, is big business in North America. So the Highlands and Islands with its abundant forestry resources and natural environment are endowed with all the right ingredients to do the same.

HIE is working on a number of fronts with partners, including Forestry Commission Scotland, to maximize the potential of forestry recreation and forest tourism. Forest recreation is rapidly becoming a substantial marketing tool for the Highlands and Islands, and is helping to stimulate economic development, public health and well being, education and learning. All good news for the region’s tourism businesses which are committed to diversification and versatility.

For further assistance or information, please contact the Forest Tourism Initiative Manager, Fiona Murray, on tel. 0131 314 6140 / email: fiona.murray@forestry.gsi.gov.uk  Or check out our downloadable files from the right hand menu.