## Public Opinion Of Forestry 2015, Scotland

 
Release date: 25 June 2015 
Coverage: Scotland Geographical breakdown: None 

Issued by: 
Economics & Statistics, Forestry Commission,  
 
231 Corstorphine Road, Edinburgh, EH12 7AT 
Enquiries: 
Jackie Watson 0300 067 5238 statistics@forestry.gsi.gov.uk 
Statistician: 
Sheila Ward 0300 067 5236 
Website: 
www.forestry.gov.uk/statistics 

## Contents

 
Introduction 
3 
Key findings 
4 
Forestry in the media 
5 
Benefits of forestry 
6 
Climate change 
7 
Wood as a fuel 
9 
Woodland recreation 
11 
Health and wellbeing 
14 
Changes to woodland 
16 
Woodland learning activities 
18 
Tree health 
19 
Scotland's People and Nature Survey 
21 
Annex 
26 
 

## Introduction

The Forestry Commission has conducted biennial surveys of public attitudes to forestry and forestry-related issues since 1995.  These surveys are used to inform and monitor policy development. This publication presents results for Scotland from the Scotland Public Opinion of Forestry Survey 2015 on: 

 
Forestry in the media; 
 
Benefits of forestry; 
 
Climate change; 
 
Wood as a fuel; 
 
Woodland recreation; 
 
Health and wellbeing; 
 
Changes to woodland; 
 
Woodland learning activities; and 
 
Tree health.  
A copy of the questionnaire used in this survey, giving complete wording of questions and response options, is provided in the Annex at the end of this report. Surveys have also been run across the UK (to provide results for the UK and for England) and in Wales.  Separate reports, providing results from these surveys, are available at www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/infd-5zyl9w. A number of questions have been dropped from the 2015 survey in Scotland, as these are now covered in Scotland's People and Nature Survey.  A summary of results relating to woodlands from Scotland's People and Nature Survey 2013/14 have been included in this report, for ease of comparison. Results for 2015 are published for the first time in this release.  Figures for earlier years have not been revised from those previously released.  For further details, see the Revisions section of the Annex. As the data are obtained from a sample survey, there is a range of uncertainty (confidence interval) associated with any results produced.  Any differences referred to in the text are statistically significant at the 95 per cent confidence level unless otherwise stated. For further details, see the Data Sources and Methodology and the Quality sections of the Annex. 

## Key Findings

 
In 2015: 
 
 Around **two fifths** of Scottish adults have seen or read about Scottish forests, woods or 
trees on television, radio or in newspapers in the last 12 months. 
 
 Around **nine in ten** respondents believed that there was at least one benefit of forestry 
worth supporting with public money. 
 
On **climate change**:  78% agree or strongly agree that 'trees are good because they remove carbon dioxide 
from the atmosphere and store it in wood'. 
 
 83% agree or strongly agree that 'a lot more trees should be planted' 
 10% use wood as fuel in their home.  Of those who don't, **one half** did not consider 
wood fuel to be practical for their property. 
 
 Around **four fifths** of respondents have visited forests or woodlands in the last few 
years. 
 
 **Around three fifths** of respondents would like to see more woodland in their part of 
Scotland. 
 
 **One in five** respondents said that they or a family member had attended an organised 
learning activity or event to do with woodlands in the last 12 months. 
 
On **tree health**:  Around **two thirds** agree or strongly agree that 'everyone should take action when 
visiting woodlands to help prevent the spread of damaging tree pests and diseases' and 'would be willing to look out for and report sightings of pests and diseases on trees, if appropriate information and advice was available to [them]'. 
 
 Around **one sixth** agree or strongly agree that 'there is very little that anyone can do to 
prevent the spread of damaging tree pests and diseases'. 
 

## Forestry In The Media

Respondents were asked whether they had seen or read about Scottish forests, woods or trees on television, radio or in the newspapers in the last twelve months. Around two fifths (37%) of Scottish adults in 2015 recalled seeing or reading about at least one topic (Table 1).  The most commonly identified topics were 'tree planting' (recalled by 
17% of respondents), 'birds and other animals in woodlands' (16%) and 'forests and woodlands as places to visit' (14%). The proportion of respondents in 2015 who recalled seeing or reading about 'tree pests and diseases' (13%), represents a significant decrease over the 2013 figure (22%).  This followed considerable media coverage in late 2012/ early 2013 on the Chalara dieback of Ash. 

## Woods Or Trees In The Last 12 Months

Percent of respondents 
  
2005 
2007 
2009 
2011 
2013 
2015 
Tree planting 
9 
27 
18 
19 
18 
17 
Birds and other animals in woodlands 
8 
23 
16 
17 
20 
16 
Forests and woodlands as places to visit 
6 
22 
14 
18 
19 
14 
Public rights of access to woodlands 
15 
35 
15 
22 
16 
13 
Tree pests and diseases 
3 
7 
5 
8 
22 
13 
Community woodlands 
4 
13 
7 
9 
11 
10 
Loss of ancient or native woodlands 
5 
13 
6 
12 
12 
10 
Forests and woodlands helping to tackle climate change 
.. 
25 
8 
12 
11 
9 
Restoration of ancient or native woodlands 
4 
13 
6 
10 
11 
8 
Protests about roads or other developments on woodlands 
6 
19 
9 
13 
10 
8 
Flowers and other plants in woodlands 
4 
13 
10 
7 
8 
8 
Wood for fuel, short rotation coppice 
2 
8 
4 
7 
7 
7 
Woods in and around towns, new local woods, improved local access 
4 
11 
7 
8 
9 
7 
Creation of new native woodlands 
4 
11 
4 
8 
8 
7 
Labelling/certification of wood products 
1 
6 
2 
3 
3 
3 
Other 
.. 
.. 
.. 
3 
1 
1 
At least one topic 
26 
58 
44 
48 
50 
37 

Source: Scotland Public Opinion of Forestry Surveys. Note: 1.  Figures are based on all respondents: 2005 (1,009), 2007 (1,007), 2009 (1,040), 2011 (1,018), 2013 (1,001), 2015 (1,010). 2.  .. denotes data not available (statement not included in that year's survey). 

3.  Respondents could select more than one topic. 

## Benefits Of Forestry

The Scottish Government provides grants to plant new woodland and to manage existing woodland for public benefit.  Respondents were asked to select, from a list of possible public benefits, good reasons to support Scottish forestry with public money. Table 2 shows that, in 2015, 89% of respondents believed there was at least one benefit of forestry worth supporting with public money.  As in previous years, the top reason to support forestry in Scotland with public money was 'to provide places for wildlife to live' with 67% of respondents in 2015 selecting this as a benefit. 'To improve the countryside landscape' (48%), 'to provide places for recreation' and 'to help tackle climate change' (both 46%) were also seen as important reasons to support forestry with public money.  

Percent of respondents  
  
2005 
2007 
2009 
2011 
2013 
2015 
To provide places for wildlife to live 
39 
67 
43 
65 
63 
67 
To improve the countryside landscape 
31 
56 
31 
48 
50 
48 
To provide places for recreation ie: walking, cycling, horse riding 
.. 
.. 
32 
53 
50 
46 
To help tackle climate change 
.. 
57 
40 
46 
42 
46 
To support the economy in rural areas 
37 
46 
34 
40 
42 
44 
To provide places for famillies to play 
.. 
.. 
23 
43 
42 
43 
To provide renewable energy including wood as fuel 
29 
36 
21 
34 
37 
40 
To provide places for relaxation and stress release 
23 
49 
21 
43 
41 
38 
To improve the appearance of towns and cities 
.. 
.. 
20 
33 
35 
35 
To provide places for learning 
.. 
.. 
19 
33 
34 
34 
So that Scotland can buy less wood products from abroad 
30 
32 
23 
29 
34 
33 
To provide timber for sawmills and wood processing 
22 
28 
15 
25 
31 
29 
To restore former industrial land 
22 
36 
14 
26 
29 
29 
At least one reason 
79 
90 
79 
91 
89 
89 

Source: Scotland Public Opinion of Forestry Surveys. Note: 1.  Figures are based on all respondents: 2005 (1,009), 2007 (1,007), 2009 (1,040), 2011 (1,018), 2013 (1,001), 2015 (1,010). 2.  .. denotes data not available (statement not included in that year's survey). 

3.  Respondents could select more than one reason. 

## Climate Change

Respondents were asked to indicate their level of agreement with two sets of statements related to woodlands and climate change. 

## Woodlands' Impact On Climate Change

Firstly, respondents were asked about the ways in which forests and woodlands in Scotland can impact on climate change. Table 3 shows that the highest levels of agreement, where respondents selected 'Strongly agree' or 'Agree', were with the following statements: 

 
'Trees are good because they remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it in wood' (78% in 2015); and 
 
'Planting more trees can help us cope with climate change by providing shade and reducing the effects of flooding' (72%). 
 The lowest levels of agreement were with the following statements: 

 
'Using wood for fuel makes climate change worse because it releases carbon dioxide' (35% in 2015); and 
 
'Scotland could offset all its greenhouse gas emissions by planting more trees' (46%). 

Percent of respondents who agree or strongly agree 
 
2009 
2011 
2013 
2015 
Trees are good because they remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it in wood 
77 
77 
72 
78 
Planting more trees can help us cope with climate change by providing shade and reducing the effects of flooding 
63 
69 
66 
72 
Using wood for fuel is better for climate change than using fuels such as coal and gas 
44 
50 
52 
54 
Using wood for building is better for climate change than using materials such as concrete and steel 
47 
50 
50 
53 
Cutting down forests and woodland makes climate change worse, even if they are replanted 
43 
48 
40 
50 
Scotland could offset all its greenhouse gas emissions by planting more trees 
52 
51 
47 
46 
Using wood for fuel makes climate change worse because it releases carbon dioxide 
29 
36 
29 
35 

## Forest Management In Response To Climate Change

Respondents were presented with a series of statements regarding the way in which Scottish forests and woodlands should be managed in response to the threat of climate change. Table 4 shows that the majority of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that: 

 
'A lot more trees should be planted' (83% in 2015); 
 
'More information should be provided about the ways in which wood can be used to lessen our impact on the environment' (81%); and  
 
'Different types of trees should be planted that will be more suited to future climates' (73%). 
 Conversely, few respondents agreed or strongly agreed that: 

 
'There is nothing anyone could do that would make any difference' (13%); and 
 
'No action is needed; let nature take its course' (16%). 

Percent of respondents who agree or strongly agree 
 
2009 
2011 
2013 
2015 
A lot more trees should be planted 
77 
80 
81 
83 
More information should be provided about the ways in which wood can be used to lessen our impact on the environment 
82 
80 
79 
81 
Different types of trees should be planted that will be more suited to future climates 
69 
67 
70 
73 
No action is needed, Let nature take its course 
8 
19 
20 
16 
There is nothing that anyone could do that would make any difference 
9 
12 
15 
13 

Source: Scotland Public Opinion of Forestry Surveys. Note: 1.  Figures are based on all respondents: 2009 (1,040), 2011 (1,018), 2013 (1,001), 2015 (1,010). 

## Wood As A Fuel

All respondents were asked to state whether or not they use wood as a fuel in their home, either on its own or with other fuels.  The question had been asked in the 2007, 2009, 
2011 and 2013 surveys, and in a woodfuel consumption study in Scotland in 2004/05. Around one in ten respondents in Scotland (10%) reported that they use wood as a fuel (Figure 1). This was not significantly different from the results in previous years. 

Source: Scotland Public Opinion of Forestry Surveys, Woodfuel Consumption Study 2004/05. Note: 1.  Figures are based on all respondents: 2004/05 (4,006), 2007 (1,007), 2009 (1,040), 2011 (1,018), 2013 (1,001), 2015 (1,010). Respondents who said they used wood as a fuel were asked three further questions.  The following was reported in 2015: 

 
Around two fifths of those using wood as a fuel bought it 'a few bags at a time' (41%), around one third (32%) gathered it themselves and around one quarter (23%) bought it 'by the truckload'; 
 
Most (56%) said they use wood as a fuel regularly while the remainder would class 
themselves as occasional users; 
 
23% of wood fuel users said they use wood as the main fuel for heating their home, while the rest mainly use something else (generally gas or oil). 
 
Respondents who said they did not use wood as a fuel were asked to give the main reason why not.  Table 5 shows that the most common reasons cited by respondents who do not use wood as a fuel, either on its own or with other fuels, were: 

 
'Not practical for this property' (52%);  
 
'Happy with the existing system' (17%) and 
 
'Do not own the property (17%). 

Percent of respondents 
 
2009 
2011 
2013 
2015 
Not practical for this property 
48 
64 
59 
52 
Happy with the existing system 
26 
18 
20 
17 
Do not own property 
5 
6 
9 
17 
Never thought about it 
16 
4 
4 
6 
All other responses 
5 
7 
8 
9 

Source: Scotland Public Opinion of Forestry Surveys. Note: 1.  Figures are based on respondents who do not use wood as a fuel: 2009 (992), 2011 (940), 2013 (887), 2015 (914). 

## Woodland Recreation

The survey asked respondents a number of questions about visits to woodland.  This included how often the respondent would like to visit woodlands and the outdoors in the next 12 months, whether the respondent had visited woodland in the last few years and type of woodland visited. Previous surveys had also asked about reasons for not visiting (more often or at all), frequency of visits and woodland recreation opportunities, but these questions are now included in Scotland's People and Nature Survey (see separate section on this survey for further information and latest results). 

## Latent Demand For Woodland Visits

Respondents to the 2015 survey were asked to state how often they would like to visit woodlands and the outdoors in the next 12 months. Two thirds of respondents (67%) said that they would like to visit at least once a month, while 14% said they would not like to visit at all in the next 12 months (Table 6). 

Percent of respondents 
  
2009 
2011 
2013 
2015 
Several times per week 
7 
16 
20 
19 
Several times per month 
16 
25 
26 
25 
About once a month 
15 
26 
25 
23 
Less often 
29 
17 
16 
19 
Never 
25 
16 
13 
14 

Source: Scotland Public Opinion of Forestry Surveys. Note: 1.  Figures are based on all respondents: 2009 (1,040), 2011 (1,018), 2013 (1,001), 2015 (1,010). 

## Proportion Visiting Woodland

As in previous years, respondents to the 2015 survey were asked whether they had visited forests or woodlands for walks, picnics or other recreation in the last few years. In 2015, around four fifths of respondents (78%) said they had visited forests or woodlands in the last few years for walks, picnics or other recreation (Table 7).  This is similar to the level reported in most other years. 

Percent of respondents 
Year 
% 
2007 
75 
2009 
57 
2011 
75 
2013 
76 
2015 
78 

Source: Scotland Public Opinion of Forestry Surveys. Note: 1.  Figures are based on all respondents: 2007 (1,007), 2009 (1,040), 2011 (1,018), 2013 (1,001), 2015 (1,010). 

 

## Type Of Woodland Visited

Around one half of respondents (52%) who had visited woodland in the last few years reported visiting woodlands and forests in both the countryside and in and around towns.  
More respondents had visited woodlands in the countryside (84%, including those who had visited both locations) than had been to woodlands in and around towns (69%) (Figure 2).  
 

## Health And Wellbeing

Respondents who had visited woodlands in the last few years were asked about their health and wellbeing in relation to woodland visits. Firstly, respondents were asked to rate the following on a scale of 1 to 10 (where 1 
denotes poor health and 10 denotes good health): 

 
Their general health; and 
 
Their health when spending time outdoors in woodlands. 
 Respondents to the 2015 survey who had visited woodland gave an average score of 7.5 out of 10 for their general health and 8.1 out of 10 for their health when spending time outdoors in woodlands (Figure 3). These results are generally similar to previous surveys. 

 
Note: 
 
Respondents who had visited woodlands in the last few years were then asked about the aspects of their health and wellbeing that benefited from visiting woodlands and the outdoors.  This covered: 

 
Physical health - through increased exercise and physical activity; 
 
Mental health - through relaxation, stress relief and improved mood; and 
 
Social health and wellbeing: through meeting other people/ spending time with 
people and/ or talking with family or friends. 
The vast majority of respondents who had visited woodland (97%) said that they benefited from at least one of these aspects, while almost two thirds (64%) said that they benefited from all three (Table 8). Looking at the individual aspects: 

 
89% felt their physical health had benefited by visiting woodlands and the 
outdoors; 
 
89% felt their mental health had benefited; and 
 
73% said their social health had benefited. 

Percent of respondents 
 
2009 
2011 
2013 
2015 
Physical Health 
89 
85 
87 
89 
Mental Health 
86 
85 
83 
89 
Social Health and Wellbeing 
69 
69 
75 
73 
All of these 
64 
56 
60 
64 
None of these 
2 
4 
4 
3 

Source: Scotland Public Opinion of Forestry Surveys. Note: 1.  Figures are based on all respondents who had visited woodland in the last few years: 2009 (589), 2011 (761), 2013 (764), 2015 (785). 2.  Responses for those who said they had benefited from 'all of these' have been included in the totals for 
'physical health', 'mental health' and 'social health and wellbeing'. 

## Changes To Woodland

Respondents were asked whether or not they would like to see more woodland in their part of Scotland.  Around three fifths (62%) of all respondents in 2015 said they would like to see more woodland in their part of Scotland (Figure 4).  This represents a significant increase from the figure of 52% in the 2013 survey. Around one third (31%) of respondents in 2015 reported that they would like to see 'neither more nor less' woodland in their part of Scotland.  Only 2% said they would like to see less. 

 
Source: Scotland Public Opinion of Forestry Surveys. Note: 1.  Figures are based on all respondents: 2005 (1,009), 2007 (1,007), 2009 (1,040), 2011 (1,018), 2013 (1,001), 2015 (1,010). 

 
Respondents who had indicated that they would like to see more woodland in their part of Scotland were then asked a follow up question to find out where they thought any new woodlands should be created. In 2015, almost two thirds (64%) of respondents who would like to see more woodland in their part of Scotland thought that new woodlands should be created in urban and industrial areas and one half (50%) thought new woodlands should be created in uplands (Table 9). 

Percent of respondents 
 
2009 
2011 
2013 
2015 
Urban and industrial areas 
79 
61 
64 
64 
Uplands 
37 
38 
41 
50 
Intensively farmed areas 
28 
26 
25 
35 
Other 
8 
2 
3 
4 
Don't know 
2 
10 
9 
9 

Source: Scotland Public Opinion of Forestry Surveys. Note: 1.  Figures are based on all respondents who would like more woodland: 2009 (389), 2011 (528), 2013 (521), 2015 (624). 2.  Respondents could select more than one location. 

 

## Woodland Learning Activities

Respondents were asked whether they, or any member of their family, had attended any organised learning activities or events to do with woodlands in the last 12 months. Table 10 shows that, in the previous 12 months, around one in five respondents (19%) to the 2015 survey said that they or a family member had attended an organised learning activity or event.  In particular:  

 
9% had been on a school visit; 
 
6% had attended an event at a woodland visitor centre; and 
 
5% had attended a guided walk or talk. 

Percent of respondents 
 
2011 
2013 
2015 
A school visit 
7 
7 
9 
An event at a woodland visitor centre 
6 
8 
6 
A guided walk or talk 
4 
5 
5 
Another learning event 
2 
3 
2 
Other 
1 
1 
1 
None of these 
83 
81 
81 

Source: Scotland Public Opinion of Forestry Surveys. Note: 1.  Figures are based on all respondents: 2011 (1,018), 2013 (1,001), 2015 (1,010). 

2.  Respondents could select more than type of activity. 

 

## Tree Health

A question relating to tree health was introduced for the 2013 survey and repeated in 2015.  Respondents were presented with a series of statements and asked to indicate their level of agreement. Table 11 and Figure 5 show that the majority of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that: 

 
'Everyone should take action when visiting woodlands to help prevent the spread of 
damaging tree pests and diseases' (69% in 2015); and that 
 
'I would be willing to look out for and report sightings of pests and diseases on 
trees, if appropriate information and advice was available to me' (68%). 
 Conversely, few respondents agreed or strongly agreed that: 

 
'There is very little that anyone can do to prevent the spread of damaging pests and diseases' (17% in 2015); and that 
 
'I understand what is meant by biosecurity' (34%). 

## Table 11: Tree Health

Percent of respondents who agree or strongly agree 
 
2013 
2015 
Everyone should take action when visiting woodlands to help prevent the spread of damaging tree pests and diseases 
68 
69 
I would be willing to look out for and report sightings of pests and diseases on trees, if appropriate information and advice was available to 
me 
65 
68 
I understand what is meant by biosecurity 
30 
34 
There is very little that anyone can do to prevent the spread of damaging tree pests and diseases 
21 
17 

Source: Scotland Public Opinion of Forestry Surveys. Note: 1.  Figures are based on all respondents: 2013 (1,001), 2015 (1,010). 

 
Source: Scotland Public Opinion of Forestry Survey 2015. Note: 1.  Figures are based on all respondents (1,010). 

## Scotland'S People And Nature Survey

Scotland's People and Nature Survey (SPANS) was commissioned in 2013 to provide a single, comprehensive source of information on people's use of the natural environment. The survey builds on the previous Scottish Recreation Survey and incorporates some questions from the Scotland Public Opinion of Forestry Survey.  As a result, some questions were dropped from the Scotland Public Opinion of Forestry Survey in 2015.  Summary results relating to woodland from the first SPANS survey, that ran from March 2013 until February 2014 are provided below. Scotland's People and Nature Survey used the same TNS Scottish Opinion Survey as has been used for the Scotland Public Opinion of Forestry Surveys in both 2013 and 2015. However, whilst the Scotland Public Opinion of Forestry Surveys have been based on a sample of around 1,000 adults interviewed in February/ March, Scotland's People and Nature Survey ran for 12 months (covering a total of around 12,000 adults interviewed), with core questions asked every month and other questions asked less often. It is intended that Scotland's People and Nature Survey will run every 3 years.  Further information on the survey is available at www.snh.gov.uk/land-and-sea/managingrecreation-and-access/increasing-participation/measuring-participation/ 

## Visits To Woodland

Scotland's People and Nature Survey reported an estimated total of 90 million visits to woodlands in Scotland in 2013/14. Respondents were asked how frequently they had visited woodland in the previous 12 month period.  Table 12 shows that 63% of respondents had visited woodland at least once in the previous year.  This compares with results from the Scotland Public Opinion of Forestry Survey (Table 7) that indicates that 76% of respondents to the 2013 survey and 
78% of respondents to the 2015 survey had visited woodlands *in the last few years*. The SPANS survey also shows that around one third of respondents had visited woodland at least once a month in the previous 12 months. 

Percent of respondents  
Frequency 
2013 
At least once a week 
18 
Once or twice a month 
16 
Once every 2-3 months 
13 
Once or twice 
16 
Never 
37 
Total 
100 

Source:  Scotland's People and Nature Survey, carried out by TNS, for Scottish Natural Heritage, Forestry Commission Scotland, National Park authorities and Greenspace Scotland. 

Note: 1.  Question asked every 2 months.  Figures are based on all respondents (6,042). The question on frequency of visits to woodland used in SPANS differs from that previously used in the Public Opinion of Forestry surveys, so no direct comparison is possible. However, the 2013 Public Opinion of Forestry survey reported that 79% of respondents who had visited woodland in the last few years (61% of all respondents) had visited at least once a month in the previous summer and 50% of respondents who had visited woodland in the last few years (38% of all respondents) had visited at least once a month that winter. 

## Barriers To Visiting Forests/ Woodlands

Outdoor visitors who had not visited a forest or woodland destination at all in the previous 12 months or who had visited infrequently (less than once a month) were asked what barriers, if any, prevented them from visiting forests or woodlands. A lack of time (mentioned by 24% of infrequent or non-visitors) and no particular reason 
(20%) were the most commonly stated barriers (Table 13). 

Percent of respondents 
Main reason 
2013 
Lack of time/ too busy 
24 
Nothing/ no particular reason 
20 
Not interested in going 
12 
Woods are too far away/ nowhere close to where I live 
11 
Don't have a car 
9 
Other personal mobility reasons (difficulty in walking, unwell, etc) 
8 
Bad weather 
5 
Prefer other types of countryside 
4 
Lack of suitable public transport 
2 
Lack of facilities (play areas, picnic areas, etc) 
1 
Safety concerns 
1 
Lack of information about woods to visit 
1 
Afraid of not being welcome 
1 

Source:  Scotland's People and Nature Survey, carried out by TNS, for Scottish Natural Heritage, Forestry Commission Scotland, National Park authorities and Greenspace Scotland. Note: The Public Opinion of Forestry Survey 2013 indicated that the most commonly mentioned reasons for not visiting woodlands in the last few years were 'not interested in going' (39% of those who had not visited) and 'other personal mobility reasons' (23%). 

## Physical Activity In Woodlands

Respondents who had visited the outdoors in the last 4 weeks were asked how often they had undertaken physical activity in a forest or woodland in that period. Two fifths (40%) of all respondents had undertaken physical activity in a forest or woodland in the 4 weeks prior to interview, and 13% had done so at least twice per week (Table 14). 

Percent of respondents 
Frequency 
2013 
At least once a week 
23 
     Every day 
4 
     4-6 days a week 
2 
     2-3 days a week 
7 
     Once a week 
9 
2-3 times in last 4 weeks 
8 
Once in the last 4 weeks 
9 
Can't remember/ don't know 
2 
Never 
58 
Total 
100 

Source:  Scotland's People and Nature Survey, carried out by TNS, for Scottish Natural Heritage, Forestry Commission Scotland, National Park authorities and Greenspace Scotland. 

Note: 1.  Question asked quarterly.  Figures are based on all respondents (4,020). 

## Ratings Of Woodlands For Recreation

All respondents were asked to rate woodlands and forests for recreation, both in their local area and in Scotland as a whole.  Woodland recreation provision was rated as good or very good by 62% of respondents for woodlands in their local area and by 81% for Scotland as a whole (Figure 6). 

Percent of respondents
Local area
25
37
18
10
3
7
Scotland
42
39
9
1
9

 
Source:  Scotland's People and Nature Survey, carried out by TNS, for Scottish Natural Heritage, Forestry Commission Scotland, National Park authorities and Greenspace Scotland. Note: 1.  Question asked quarterly.  Figures are based on all respondents (4,020). These results are very similar to those from the Public Opinion of Forestry Survey 2013, where woodland recreation opportunities were rated as good or very good by 61% of respondents for their local area and by 81% for Scotland as a whole. 

## Annex Introduction

 This annex provides background information on the statistics presented in this release.  It covers the data sources and methodology used to produce the statistics, information on quality measures and on any revisions to historic data and links to further information. 

## Glossary

Biosecurity A set of precautions that aim to prevent the introduction and spread of harmful organisms.  These may be pests, pathogens or invasive species. 

Clustering A sampling technique where the entire population is divided into groups, or clusters, and a random sample of these clusters are selected.  All (or a selection of) observations in the selected clusters are included in the sample.  Cluster sampling is often used when a random sample would produce a list of subjects so widely scattered that surveying them would prove to be far too expensive. 

Confidence interval An estimated range of values that is likely to include an unknown population parameter (i.e. a fixed value for the population as a whole). The confidence interval around an estimate is derived from the sample data, and is used to indicate the reliability of the estimate. 

Design factor A factor applied in the calculation of confidence intervals to take account of the survey design (clustering, weighting, stratification) used in selecting the sample.  A design factor of 1.5 is commonly assumed by Market Research companies for omnibus surveys of the population. 

Forest In the United Kingdom, there is no formal definition of "forest"; the term is often used for large woodland areas (especially conifers) or for old Royal hunting preserves such as the New Forest or the Forest of Dean. 

Forestry Commission (FC) The government department responsible for forestry matters in England, Scotland and (until March 2013) Wales.  The Forestry Commission's functions in Wales transferred to a new organisation, Natural Resources Wales, on 1 April 2013.  The responsibility for forestry is devolved.  
Great Britain (GB) England, Wales and Scotland.  
Quota sampling A method of sampling where interviewers are each given a fixed number of subjects of specified type to interview.   
Scottish Government (SG) The executive branch of the devolved government of Scotland.   
Statistical significance A statistical assessment of whether observations reflect an actual pattern rather than just chance.   
Stratification A sampling technique where the entire population is divided into groups, or strata, and a random sample is selected within each group.  Stratified sampling is often used to ensure that sufficient numbers from each group are included in the overall sample, particularly where results are required for each group. 

United Kingdom (UK) Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Weighting A set of factors assigned to survey responses to ensure that the resulting weighted results are representative of the population as a whole. 

Woodland Land under stands of trees with a canopy cover of at least 20% (25% in Northern Ireland), or having the potential to achieve this, including integral open space, and including felled areas that are awaiting restocking. 

## Data Sources And Methodology Background

The Forestry Commission has conducted biennial surveys of public attitudes to forestry and forestry-related issues since 1995.  The surveys have evolved since then as follows: 

 
In the initial surveys, a representative sample of 2,000 adults across Great Britain (GB) was surveyed; 
 
In 2001, with more interest in country-level results within GB, additional questions 
were asked of representative samples of 1,000 adults in each of Scotland and Wales;   
 
Information has also been collected for Northern Ireland in the past through UK wide surveys in 2003 and the separate Northern Ireland surveys (1,000 adults) 
carried out in 2005, 2007, 2010 and 2014; 
 
In 2015 three separate surveys were carried out for the UK, for Scotland and for Wales. Some questions were asked in all three of the surveys conducted in 2015, but a number of questions have become survey-specific. 
 The table below is a summary of the previous surveys and presents the approximate number of adults interviewed for each country.  England results are a subset of the UK 
survey. 

Approximate number of adults interviewed 
Year 
UK1 
England2 
Wales 
Scotland 
Northern 
Ireland 
2001 
2,000 
 
1,000 
1,000 
 
2003 
4,000 
3,400 
1,000 
1,000 
 
2005 
4,000 
3,400 
1,000 
1,000 
1,000 
2007 
4,000 
3,300 
1,000 
1,000 
1,000 
2009 
2,000 
1,700 
1,000 
1,000 
 
2010 


1,000 
2011 
2,000 
1,700 
1,000 
1,000 
 
2013 
2,000 
1,600 
1,000 
1,000 
 
2014 


1,000 
2015 
2,000 
1,500 
1,000 
1,000 
 

Note: 1.  2001 and 2005 surveys covered Great Britain only (i.e. excluding Northern Ireland). 

2.  Results for England are derived from UK surveys. 

 

## Survey Design

The 2015 survey results presented in this report are taken from the TNS Scottish Opinion Survey carried out from the 30 January to 15 February 2015.  The survey was based on a representative sample of 1,010 adults (aged 16 or over) across Scotland. More details of the sample method are given below. The 2003, 2007, 2011 and 2013 surveys were also obtained from the TNS Scottish Opinion Survey.  This survey was also the source for Scotland's People and Nature Survey, that ran from March 2013 to February 2014. The 2005 and 2009 survey data were obtained from the mruk Scottish In-Home Omnibus Survey.  This survey employed a different survey design so comparisons should be taken with care. 

## Methodology

2015 survey The TNS Scottish Opinion Survey covers between 68 and 108 locations per month throughout Scotland, with sampling points selected to be geographically representative of the population. 

Survey sampling The sample used to conduct the TNS Scottish Opinion Survey is designed to be representative of the adult population of Scotland (aged 16+).  To make the sample as representative as possible, it is stratified using the 8 Scottish Parliament electoral regions. 

Population data is then used to determine the correct number of sample points required in each region.  As mentioned above, the number of sampling points per month is between 68 and 108, with 9-14 interviews per sampling point.  In each sample point, quota targets are set to ensure representative coverage of the population on the basis of gender, age group, social grade and working status. 

Interviewing Fieldwork is conducted over a five day period, including weekends, with most interviewing taking place in the afternoon or evening.  Interviewers are issued with blocks of addresses in which to conduct their interviews.  Blocks of addresses are used to ensure that all interviews are conducted within the correct sample point.  Only one interview is permitted per household. 

## Questionnaire

A copy of the 2015 questionnaire is provided at the end of this release.  This covers the questions requested by Forestry Commission Scotland. In addition, a small number of additional questions are included as standard in the omnibus surveys run by Market Research companies (e.g. gender, age, country/ region) and some of these are also used in analysing the results from the survey. Most questions are retained from one survey to the next, to enable comparisons over time. However, changes are sometimes made to reflect changing circumstances or priorities, or to improve the wording of questions.  The following changes were made for the 2015 
questionnaire: 

 
Questions on reasons for not visiting forests or woodlands, frequency of visiting 
forests and woodlands and rating of woodland recreation opportunities have been dropped, as these are now covered by Scotland's People and Nature Survey; 
 
A question on woodland characteristics has been dropped; 
 
Two questions on long term illness, health problems or disabilities have been combined into a single question (Q20); and 
 
The question on how Scottish forests should be managed in response to the threat 
of climate change (Q4) has been amended to exclude one of the statements. 

## Quality

Results from the TNS Scottish Opinion Survey are weighted to population profiles at each wave (i.e. each time the survey is run) to ensure an accurate representation of Scotland's population and consistency between waves.  Currently, weighting is applied on the basis of gender, age, social class and region, using population estimates from the BARB (Broadcasters' Audience Research Board) Establishment Survey 2 Years Ending December 
2011 and the 2001 Census. The results quoted in this report are based on weighted data.   
 
Design effect All results are subject to the effects of chance in sampling, so a range of uncertainty (confidence interval) should be associated with any result from the survey.  The confidence intervals take into account the effect of clustering, weighting and stratification in the survey design (see methodology, above, for more details). The TNS Scottish Opinion Survey uses a quota sampling approach, which means that the likelihood of individuals within the population being interviewed cannot be measured.  Any confidence intervals calculated are also indicative.  Due to the survey design, a 'design effect' of 1.5 should be applied to confidence intervals calculated for data from this survey. Confidence intervals are most commonly reported at the 95% level.  This means that there is a 95% chance that the true population value lies within the confidence interval.  The following provides a guide to interpreting the results in this report on the basis of a 95% confidence interval and assuming a design factor of 1.5: For questions asked to the whole Scotland sample of around 1,010, the margin of error should be no more than ± 4.6%. For questions not asked of the whole sample and sub-groups within the sample, margin of error will increase.  For example: 

 
By gender (male n=486; female n=525), the confidence intervals should be no more than ±6.7%; 
 
For those who visited woodland in the last few years (n=753), the confidence interval should be no more than ±5.4%; 
 
For those who would like to see more woodland created in Scotland (n=608), the confidence interval should be no more than ±6.0%. 
For questions asked to whole samples, differences are statistically significant if more than: 
- 
±6.6% between the 2015 and 2013 surveys; 
- 
±7.0% between the 2013 and 2011 surveys; 
- 
±7.0% between the 2011 and 2009 surveys. 
Further quality information on FC Official Statistics is available at: www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/infd-7zhk85 

## Revisions

Figures for 2015 are published for the first time in this release. All figures are final.  Figures for earlier years have not been revised. The Forestry Commission's revisions policy sets out how revisions and errors to these statistics are dealt with, and can be found at: www.forestry.gov.uk/pdf/FCrevisions.pdf/$FILE/FCrevisions.pdf. 

## Further Information

Accompanying tables to this release, available at www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/infd- 5zyl9w, provide more detailed figures, showing standard breakdowns. Figures in tables have been independently rounded, so may not add to the totals shown. Full results from Scotland's People and Nature Survey are available at www.snh.gov.uk/land-and-sea/managing-recreation-and-access/increasingparticipation/measuring-participation/ 

## Release Schedule

The Scotland Public Opinion of Forestry is a biennial survey, next due to run in early 2017 
with results likely to be available in summer 2017. 

## Official Statistics

This is an Official Statistics publication.  For more information about Official Statistics and the UK Statistics Authority visit www.statisticsauthority.gov.uk. 

## Scotland Public Opinion Of Forestry Survey 2015: Questionnaire

 
Q1 
           [All] 
You may have seen or read about Scottish forests, woods or trees on the 
television, radio or in the newspapers.  From this list, can you please tell me 
which of these topics you have seen or read anything about in the last 12 
months? 
                                                                                                                  (Multi answer) 

 
Birds and other animals in woodlands 
 
Flowers and other plants in woodlands 
 
Forests and woodlands as places to visit  
 
Community woodlands 
 
Woods in and around towns, new local woods, improved local access 
 
Tree planting 
 
Tree pests and diseases 
 
Wood for fuel, short rotation coppice 
 
Loss of ancient or native woodlands 
 
Restoration of ancient or native woodlands 
 
Creation of new native woodlands 
 
Public rights of access to woodlands 
 
Protests about roads or other developments on woodlands 
 
Labelling/certification of wood products 
 
Forests and woodlands helping to tackle climate change 
 
Other (specify) 
 
None of these 
 

## Q2 [All] In Scotland, Public Money Is Given To Plant New Woodland And To Manage Existing Woodland For Public Benefit.  From This List, Please Tell Me Which Of The Following Reasons Are Good Reasons To Support Forestry In This Way? (Multi Answer)

 
To support the economy in rural areas 
 
To provide timber for sawmills and wood processing 
 
To provide renewable energy including wood as fuel 
 
So that Scotland can buy less wood products from abroad 
 
To help tackle climate change  
 
To provide places for wildlife to live  
 
To provide places for recreation (such as walking, cycling, horse-riding) 
 
To provide places for relaxation and stress release 
 
To provide places for families to play 
 
To provide places for learning 
 
To improve the countryside landscape  
 
To improve the appearance of towns and cities 
 
To restore former industrial land 
 
None of these 

## Q3 [All] Would You Agree Or Disagree With The Following Statements About The Ways In Which Forests And Woodlands In Scotland Can Impact On Climate Change? (1 Strongly Agree, 2 Agree, 3 Neither Agree Or Disagree, 4 Disagree, 5 Strongly Disagree)

 
Trees are good because they remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and 
store it in wood 
 
Cutting down forests and woodland for timber always makes climate change worse, even if they are replanted 
 
Using wood for fuel is better for climate change than using fuels such as coal and gas 
 
Using wood for fuel makes climate change worse because it releases carbon dioxide 
 
Using wood for building is better for climate change than using materials such as concrete, steel and plastics. 
 
Scotland could offset all its greenhouse gas emissions by planting more trees 
 
Planting more trees can help us cope with climate change by providing shade and reducing the effects of flooding 

## Q4 [All] Do You Agree Or Disagree With The Following Statements Regarding How Scottish Forests And Woodlands Should Be Managed In Response To The Threat Of Climate Change? (1 Strongly Agree, 2 Agree, 3 Neither Agree Or Disagree, 4 Disagree, 5 Strongly Disagree)

 
There is nothing that anyone could do that would make any difference 
 
No action is needed; let nature take its course 
 
A lot more trees should be planted 
 
Different types of trees should be planted that will be more suited to future climates 
 
More information should be provided about the ways in which wood can be used to lessen our impact on the environment 

## Q5 [All] Do You Ever Use Wood As A Fuel In Your Home, Either On Its Own Or With Other Fuels? (Single Answer)

 
Yes        (Go to Q6)        
 
No         (Go to Q9) 

 
Q6 
           [Ask if answered yes to Q5] 
Do you get the wood by the truck load, or a few bags at a time, or gather it 
yourself? 
                                                                                                                (Single answer) 

 
by the truck load 
 
a few bags at a time 

 
gather it yourself 
 
Other (specify) 
 Q7 
[Ask if answered yes to Q5] 
Do you use wood as a fuel regularly or only occasionally? 

(Single answer) 

 
regularly 
 
occasionally 

 Q8 
[Ask if answered yes to Q5] 
Is the wood the main fuel for heating your home, or do you mainly use something else?  ( then Go to Q10) 
(Single answer) 

 
main fuel 

 
something else (specify) 

 

## Q9 [Ask If Answered No To Q5A] What Is The Main Reason That You Do Not Use Wood As A Fuel In Your Home? (Single Answer)

 
Never thought about it 
 
Happy with the existing system 
 
Not practical for this property  
 
Concerned about cost 
 
Concerned about efficiency 
 
Concerned about ease of use 
 
Concerned about environmental issues 
 
Do not own property 
 
Lack of local help/suppliers  
 
Other [specify] 

## Q10 [All] How Often Would You Like To Visit Woodlands And The Outdoors In The Next 12 Months? (Single Answer)

 
Several times per week 
 
Several times per month 
 
About once a month 
 
Less often 
 
Never 

## Q11 [All] In The Last Few Years, Have You Visited Forests Or Woodlands For Walks, Picnics Or Other Recreation? (Single Answer)

 
Yes (Go to Q12) 
 
No   (Go to Q16) 

## Q12 [Ask If Answered Yes To Q11] Did You Visit Woodlands In The Countryside Or Woodlands In And Around Towns? (Single Answer)

 
Woodlands in the countryside  
 
Woodlands in and around towns 
 
Both in the countryside and around towns 
 
Q13 
[Ask if answered yes to Q11] 
Please answer the following question on the basis of your general feelings (not your present state). How would you rate the level that best describes your general health on a scale of 1 to 10?  1 denotes poor health and 10 denotes good health. How healthy do you generally feel? 

(Single answer) 
1        2         3         4         5         6          7        8         9         10 Denotes poor Health                                         Denotes good Health Q14 
[Ask if answered yes to Q11] 
How healthy do you generally feel when spending time outdoors in woodlands?  1 denotes poor heath and 10 denotes good health. 

(Single answer) 
1        2         3         4         5         6          7        8         9         10 Denotes poor Health                                         Denotes good Health Q15 
[Ask if answered yes to Q11] 
What aspects of health and wellbeing do you feel benefit from visiting woodlands and the outdoors?   
(Multi answer) 

 
Physical health: through increased exercise and physical activity 
 
Mental health: through relaxation, stress relief and improved mood 
 
Social health and wellbeing: through meeting other people / spending time with 
people and /or talking with family or friends 
 
All of these  
 
None of these 

## Q16 [All] Would You Like To Have More Or Less Woodland In Your Part Of Scotland? (Single Answer)

 
More                                  (Go to Q17) 
 
Neither more nor less          (Go to Q18) 
 
Less                                   (Go to Q18) 
 
Don't know                         (Go to Q18) 
 

## Q17 [Ask If Answered 'More' To Q16] Where Do You Think New Woodlands Should Be Created? (Multi Answer)

 
Urban and industrial areas 
 
Intensively farmed areas 
 
Uplands 
 
Other (specify) 
 
Don't know 

## Q18 [All] Have You And/Or Your Family Attended Any Of The Following Organised Learning Activities Or Events To Do With Woodlands In The Last 12 Months? (Multi Answer)

 
A school visit 
 
A guided walk or talk 
 
An event at a woodland visitor centre 
 
Another learning event 
 
Other (specify) 
 
None of these 

## Q19 [All] Would You Agree Or Disagree With The Following Statements Relating To Tree Health? (1 Strongly Agree, 2 Agree, 3 Neither Agree Or Disagree, 4 Disagree, 5 Strongly Disagree)

 
Everyone should take action when visiting woodlands to help prevent the spread of damaging tree pests and diseases (e.g. by washing shoes/ boots, bikes etc before 
and after their visit and by brushing soil & plant material from clothes). 
 
There is very little that anyone can do to prevent the spread of damaging tree pests and diseases. 
 
I would be willing to look out for and report sightings of pests and diseases on 
trees, if appropriate information and advice was available to me. 
 
I understand what is meant by biosecurity. 

## Q20 [All] Do You Have Any Long-Term Illness, Health Problems Or Disability Which Limits Your Daily Activities Or The Work You Can Do? (Multi Answer)

 
A long-term illness lasting for more than 12 months 
 
A physical disability, an infirmity or a mobility problem 
 
You regard yourself to have a mental health problem such as anxiety or depression 
 
None of the above 
 

## Q21 [All] Do You Regard Yourself As Belonging To A Black Or Ethnic Minority (Bme) Group? (Single Answer)

 
Yes 
 
No