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 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.
Continuing the spirit of consultation begun at the 2006 seminar, Reforesting Scotland would now like to consult on the priority species or groups of species for this project to focus on. The possibilities for monitoring work may extend to the impacts of harvesting on wider habitats and other related organisms, or indeed, on the impacts of different harvesting methods and practices on species and habitats. Which species should the project focus on?
Please email the project officer, Alison Dyke, if you would like to make a suggestion:
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Registered charity number SCO18032
