THE revised Scottish Forestry Strategy, currently out for public consultation will when finalised, have a considerable influence on the types of woodland we create and how they are managed in the future.

It has a broad vision and recognises the role forests can play in moderating the effects of climate change; their environmental, social and health benefits; the concept of "timber miles" and the need for the industry to have a secure economic base.

There are many reasons this is relevant to farmers: there is an annual afforestation target of about 10,000 hectares, which will only be met by converting less productive farmland into woodland, while over 5 per cent of Scottish farmers are already in a "farm woodland" scheme and this will increase.

Woodlands are a mainstream alternative crop, offering benefits such as shelter, game cover or visual screening that may help you to get planning permission for a house site. New planting will continue to be a diverse mix of large commercial forests, small farm woodlands or new native woodlands.

This could be the year in which "wood for fuel" first becomes a major crop. A power station in Lockerbie opening next year will generate 44 megawatts of electricity, enough to power 70,000 homes. This will be fuelled by wood chips, 222,000 tonnes annually, much of which may come from short-rotation coppice. The developers hope to agree contracts with locals to grow 3,000ha of this new crop on farmland.

As other schemes are established elsewhere, farmers may become as familiar with Gigantea and Bowles Hybrid (varieties of willow) as they are with Optic or Chalice.

"Woodlands for health" is another concept actively supported by the Forestry Commission and other organisations, such as the British Heart Foundation. There are grants to create new woodlands in and around towns or provide public access facilities. For some, this will offer diversification opportunities, perhaps by providing camp sites or caravan pitches or developing a cross-country course for horse riders.

Land management contracts will be introduced in 2007. Forestry grants will become closely integrated with agricultural and conservation support schemes, which should streamline farm planning.

Another is that all landowners should ensure that their woodlands are registered under the IACS system and have a field identification number. Land not registered may not be eligible for some grant schemes.

Grants for restocking felled woodlands will disappear when the Scottish forestry grants scheme closes at the end of August. It is proposed to introduce an annual forest environment payment for woodlands that have an approved management plan.

"Timber miles" are like "food miles". There is growing recognition of the environmental cost of shipping materials worldwide that could be produced locally. We import about 85 per cent of our timber needs, which is not sustainable in the long term.

This should be good news for our commercial forest owners and serves as a reminder that we should ensure that wherever possible all woodlands include commercial objectives in their management plan.

Woodlands are wonderful and versatile things and the new Forestry Strategy should ensure that we all reap the benefits of their sustainable management.