The consultation was published by the Forestry Commission Scotland on the 15th November 2004 and is devided into three parts.

Community Acquisition. A flexible approach to community engagement is proposed, it 's possible for local communities to purchase or lease nearby forest, woods and open land currently managed by the FC Scotland, or to enter into management agreements and consultation.

Land for Affordable Housing. Forest surplus to requirements will be offered to housing organizations for the provision of affordable housing.

Sponsored sale of Surplus Land. Should local communities not wish to aquire surplus land, it will be offered to NGO's before going on the open market.

In the same forum, the Minister Lewis MacDonald made reference to Forestry Crofts as part of a sustainable future for Scottish forestry. This might well open the door for communities based in the forest, communities that will contribute significantly to achieving economic stability, social cohesion and environmental sustainability for rural communities.

Visit the Forestry Commission site for more information.