Trees and Woodland Strategy consultation launches

Orkney Islands Council is seeking views on the second consultative draft of the Orkney Trees and Woodland Strategy, which will set out the vision, policies and plans for the future of woodland and trees in Orkney.

Following feedback from the first consultation, substantial changes have been made to the document, including the insertion of an overview, expanded context outlining Orkney's distinctiveness, a separate section on the benefits of trees and woodland, and action frameworks for each theme.

Consultees were broadly supportive of the first consultative draft but sought greater policy clarity, ambition and deliverability, improved evidence and mapping, and careful balancing of woodland expansion with Orkney's unique biodiversity and landscape sensitivities.

The full strategy and consultation documents are available at www.orkney.gov.uk/tws2026. To submit your views or for more information, contact devplan@orkney.gov.uk.

The consultation is open until 5pm, Friday 27 February 2026.