We encourage local people and communities to get involved with the use and management of National Forest Estate woodlands. We actively engage with communities and work in partnership with them on a wide range of projects and activities.

Community guidance

We've produced guidance for community projects and activities on the National Forest Estate (PDF 259KB).

The guide is for groups of people in the same local area, or groups of people with a common interest, who want to run activities, use or get involved in managing land or buildings on the estate. It provides advice on what you'll need in place, how to make your initial approach and what you can expect from us.

A guide to Community Agreements

If you have read our overview of community projects and would like some information on what agreement may be right for your project, have a look at our guide:

• Community Agreements: Definitions and a guide to use (PDF 167KB)

This guide contains some key elements of different agreements to help you decide which might be best suited for your project. We are aware that every community project is different, so do contact us if you need further guidance.

We have also developed some case studies which provide examples of different agreements and how they work:

• Gallowhill Community Woodland Project (PDF 728KB)
• Glen Affric Partnership (PDF 743KB)
• Lesmahagow Development Trust Allotments (PDF 623KB)

Questions and next steps

Once you have read the guidance and want to take your project forward, or if you have any questions, get in touch with your local office.

Related information

You might also be interested in:

• Community benefits and opportunities from renewable energy developments
• Permissions and permits for short-term and one off events
• The Community Asset Transfer Scheme (CATS) for ownership, lease or rights to use National Forest Estate land.
• Land management plan consultations