An estimated 18 million visits are made to Scotland's woods and forests every year (GB Day Visits Survey 2003). Research, due at the end of the year, is currently underway to ascertain accurately the value of the different types of forest visitors, but the information currently available implies that this is worth approximately £100 million annually to the Scottish economy.

The top attractions in Scotland, for all the top-originating markets (UK, European &
USA), are: beautiful scenery, friendly people, good place to relax, interesting
history/culture, good for hiking/walking, plenty to do & see, slower pace of life. It is obvious that woodlands and forests play a key role in the attractions of the
destination (respectively: forests & big/heritage trees, rangers, picnic sites &
viewpoints, interpretation of sites, way-marked trails & access to hills, visitor centres & tours, stroll in the woods).