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Roots for Growth objectives:
- Create links and benchmark with other industries
- Capture the benefits of non-market uses of the forest resource
- Promote the role of the Cluster in supporting rural inclusion
- Create a single voice for the Cluster on shared issues of concern
Extending Cluster links
The initial priority has been to develop links within the forest industries. However, opportunities have arisen to extend links beyond the Cluster to other industries and to other clusters. The chemical industry is already crucially linked to the Cluster through timber preservation and coatings, and it is likely that Cluster activity will begin to foster and enhance these links as new solutions are designed for timber treatment to improve both physical and environmental performance. Other links fostered include biotechnology, energy – in particular on initiatives in which wood may be used more extensively for sustainable energy generation including wood heat, and tourism. This work will start to reveal ways in which the sum of the benefits and potential income from ‘non-market’ uses of forests and woodlands, especially for tourism, can be captured and developed by woodland owners.
Rural development
The forest industries are vital to the prosperity of rural Scotland. Many of the Cluster activities impact favourably on the rural economy and will assist in greater inclusion of those who live and work in rural areas. There are a number of local forestry initiatives across Scotland that are receiving support from the Cluster and the Scottish Enterprise network and Highlands and Islands Enterprise – often alongside support from Europe.
A Rural Development Action Plan has been established which identifies the following Cluster initiatives:
- market research into the potential markets available for non-timber forest products and the ability of Scottish forests to supply them
- a review of research in the field of rural development and market development to support the work of the
Scottish Enterprise Small Business Gateway
addressing the needs of small and micro-scale wood processors, e.g. through business
development seminars
support from Highlands and Islands’ Community Land Unit and the Scottish Land Fund for communities actively seeking to acquire or manage woodland resources in their locality.
Speaking up for the industry
In such a diverse industry, speaking with one voice creates a much stronger voice and a much stronger message. The Cluster voice is helping industry to reach a wider audience while strengthening confidence and cohesion within the network.
The Cluster has responded to a range of discussion documents, including the Scottish Executive’s draft Scottish Forestry Strategy, the Department of Trade and Industry’s Foresight Programme to encourage representation of the forestry sector on issues relating to construction; the Scottish Executive review of the Woodland Grant Scheme and Farm Woodland Premium Scheme; and the five-yearly reviews of Forest Enterprise and Forest Research.
Presentations about the Cluster initiative have been made to organisations and delegations within the forestry community in Scotland and in Europe. The Cluster has extended its networks overseas by attending exhibitions and conferences, organising study tours and by meeting industry representatives in the USA, Canada, France, Sweden, Finland, Germany and Denmark. In February 2003, 12 Cluster members participated in a visit to New Zealand and the lessons brought back to Scotland have provided strong direction for the Cluster's future priorities (Report of the Cluster Leadership Group visit to New Zealand, February 2003).
Roots for Growth and subsequent Cluster literature has been distributed across the forestry community in Scotland and to others around the world. All those interested in the work of the Cluster are encouraged to participate.
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