The three Ayrshire councils have agreed that the 2003 Strategy should be reviewed to reflect changes in the development plans system, the designation of the Central Scotland Green Network and advances in thinking on issues such as Climate Change and fragmentation of natural habitats.

The review commenced in August 2011 under the guidance of the newly formed Ayrshire and Arran Forestry and Woodland Strategy Steering Group.

The revised strategy is being prepared as supplementary guidance for the first generation of Local Development Plans which are currently being prepared by the each of the three Ayrshire local planning authorities. The Local Development Plans will set out set out each Council’s strategies and policies in relation to the development of land. The Ayrshire & Arran Forestry & Woodland Strategy will provide additional guidance in relation to woodland management and creation which is, for the most part, outwith planning controls but which impacts upon issues which the plans seek to address.

The Forestry & Woodland Strategy is intended to guide woodland management and expansion, providing a policy and a spatial framework to maximise the contribution of woodland and forestry to the people, environment and economy of Ayrshire.