Ep.6 "Let's Talk Better Forestry" with Stuart Goodall

In this episode of Let's Talk Better Forestry, host Morag Paterson is joined by Stuart Goodall, Chief Executive of Confor, the representative body for the UK's private forestry and wood processing sector.

As the first guest of 2026, Stuart provides a high-level perspective on the "growing pains" of an industry he likens to a teenager -full of energy and potential, but occasionally causing friction as it finds its place in Scotland's landscape. The conversation delves into the vital role of commercial forestry in meeting Net Zero targets and addressing timber security in a country that currently imports 80% of its wood.

Stuart and Morag explore the "delivery gap" between ambitious government policy and the practical realities on the ground. They discuss the necessity of building a "social license" through better community engagement, acknowledging the historic tensions between traditional forestry practices and local people. From the heavily forested landscapes of the South of Scotland to the potential for smaller-scale, diverse woodland management, they search for the common ground where commercial productivity and ecological resilience meet.

Tune in for a constructive and wide-ranging discussion on how the forestry sector can mature, bridge the gap with local communities, and work alongside groups like FPG to create a more integrated and sustainable future for Scotland's woodlands.

FPG would like to thank all our guests who joined us in 'Let's Talk Better Forestry.'

P.S. To clarify a point mentioned in the episode regarding forest cover in the South of Scotland: while Morag noted it is approaching one-third, official statistics provide a more specific breakdown. The Regional Land Use Framework estimates forest cover for the South of Scotland at just over 22% as a whole, with approximately 27.86% in Dumfries and Galloway and 21.45% in the Scottish Borders.