This is just the first stage of a long process which may ultimately lead to the establishment of Forest Villages throughout Scotland. During the next few months, a model will be produced that will hopefully lead to a pilot project in the near future. Other organisations, such as the Scottish Crofting Foundation are also looking at Forest Crofting, and for much the same reasons, but have different ideas, based more on the traditional croft model. In reality, there are a number of options, and there is no reason why any one should exclude the others, different models will be appropriate in different circumstances and people will have different expectations and aspirations of what a forest croft might be and this will be reflected in different models. But each should be measured in terms of both its viability and sustainability in the face of the many problems that face the world today.

The final model will be based on a balance of social, environmental and economic factors which will hopefully lead to a sustainable model based on permaculture principles. It will only ever be a guideline, the form of any one commnity will be determined by its location and the people involved. It is envisaged that the Forest Village will be dynamic, evolving with changing circumstances over time.

The background document that has been made available to interested parties such as the Forestry Commission, MSP's and The Scottish Crofting Foundation invites comments from all. It is recognised that tapping into the weatlh of knowledge and experience already out there can only help the process.

A list of organisations supporting the Forest Village Project can be found here