Anyone interested in helping steer the direction of forestry in north east Scotland is invited to apply to become Chair of the Grampian Regional Forestry Forum.
The invitation, from Forestry Commission Scotland, comes as current Chair, Priscilla Gordon Duff, steps down after 6 years of service.
The forum is one of five Regional Forestry Forums (RFFs) across Scotland that advise the Commission on forestry policy and practice in their areas.
The Grampian Forum covers Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire and Moray Council areas and part of the Cairngorms National Park.
Ms Gordon-Duff, a Director of Drummuir Castle Estate and of Drummuir Farms Ltd, said:
“I have really enjoyed the 6 years of working with the enthusiastic and well informed members of the Forum and with the FCS team in Grampian.
“Our first task was to identify what is special to forestry in Grampian, the second task was how to link this into the Scottish Forestry Strategy. The key to translating this into action was to talk with potential partners across the Region and find ways to work together.
“The best bit was the opportunity to do all this whilst walking and talking in the varied and beautiful landscape that makes up Grampian Region.”
Ms Gordon Duff was instrumental in helping the local Drummuir community take on shared management of a neighbouring woodland, and worked closely with Moray Council to create a network of footpaths that includes an All Abilities Trail.
Ms Gordon – Duff will continue to serve as Chair of the Commission’s National Forest Land Scheme Evaluation Panel and as Chair of the Moray LEADER Local Action Group.
Anyone interested in finding out more and applying for the post should contact Hilary Muirhead, Forestry Commission Scotland, Human Resources, on 0131 334 0303 or at hilary.muirhead@forestry.gsi.gov.uk or visit www.forestry.gov.uk/vacancies
The closing date for applications is Monday 12 April 2010.
The Forestry Commission is committed to providing equal opportunities for all sectors of the community, irrespective of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, marital status, religion, sexuality, transgender and working patterns.
Notes to Editors
1) Each RFF has 12–15 members who represent the economic, environmental and social aspects of sustainable development. They have a term of office for three years.
Forestry Commission Scotland and Forest Enterprise Scotland serve as advisors to each forum. The Chair and two other members represent each of the Regional Forestry Forums on the Scottish Forestry Forum.
2) The Forums also advise the Commission on the regional implementation of the Scottish Forestry Strategy and provide a regional perspective on the strategy’s future development.
3) Drummuir Castle Estate is situated in the heart of Grampian, where the lowlands meet the hills. Over 25% of the property is afforested and thanks to the policy planting around Drummuir Castle, the Estate has a significant number of broadleaf trees. These and the farm woodlands are being managed for the woodfuel heating business that is being developed. The latter will first and foremost concentrate on heating the newly renovated 1300sq. metre Home Farm Steading for office and residential use.
Media Enquiries
Paul Munro, Forestry Commission Scotland press office, 0131 314 6507 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 0131 314 6507 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
