The South region reflects the boundary of the Scottish Forestry South of Scotland conservancy and covers South Ayrshire, Dumfries & Galloway, and Scottish Borders.
At about 12,150 km2 – about 15% of Scotland’s land mass it is large in size and very rural, having a small population (about 6% of Scotland).
The woodland resource is extensive at over 30% cover of the area, and extremely important given the high percentage of productive conifers.
As a result the region has seen huge investment ins some of the largest wood processing facilities (panel board, sawmilling and wood pellet manufacture) in the country.
There is also significant forest nursery activity in the region, and there has been recent investment in forest recreation facilities in areas lie Ae forest.
The next South Scotland meeting will be on 20th April 2026 in Castle Douglas – more details and booking.
The main productive tree species by far is Sitka spruce, with other species such as larch and pine making up most of the non-spruce element. There are areas of managed productive broadleaves that produce small volumes of hardwood.
South Scotland Steering Group
Members as at November 2021 are: