Recent surveys suggest that over 200 non-timber forest products (NTFPs) derived from 173 vascular plant and fungal species are currently being collected regularly in Scotland and that gathering by less experienced collectors is on the increase. At the same time there is much good practice and a strong concern to ensure that harvesting is sustainable amongst existing gatherers, and much historical precedent that use and value of forest products results in better management of habitats and species - so Reforesting Scotland has begun a new project to develop methods for monitoring the impacts of wild harvests.
The project was developed in response to direct recommendations agreed by consensus among a wide range of interest groups during a Scotland-wide Wild Harvests seminar in May 2006. At the seminar researchers, harvesters and species specialists collectively identified a strong need for information about sustainable harvesting levels and practice around NTFPs in Scotland.
The project focuses on three areas: fungi, sphagnum moss and lungwort (a lichen, Lobaria pulmonaria). There are very different reasons for monitoring each of these.
The project is developing discussion groups for each of these priorities, so if you would like to become involved, please email Alison Dyke () (or telephone 0131 5571008 - Thursdays and Fridays only please).
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Registered charity number SCO18032