Let's Talk Better Forestry - Episode 9 with Jamie McIntyre

Host: Morag Paterson

Guest: Jamie McIntyre (Freelance Contractor, Woodlands Crofts Partnership / Director, Woodlots)

In this episode, host Morag Paterson sits down with fellow Forest Policy Group member Jamie McIntyre to explore the transformative potential of woodland crofts . Combining the secure, historic tenure of Scottish crofting with modern, sustainable woodland management, this unique model offers a radical alternative to large-scale industrial forestry .

Jamie shares his deep expertise from decades in the sector, guiding us through the history of crofting, what defines a woodland croft on the ground, and how "boots on the ground" personal stewardship dramatically improves local biodiversity and climate resilience .

• The Crofting Framework: How centuries-old legislation is being adapted today to grant people a perpetual right to live on and manage woodland holdings .

• Stewardship vs. Industry: Why small-scale, continuous cover forestry excels at ecological management compared to data-driven commercial clear-felling .

• Diversification: How crofters integrate cattle, pigs, bees, and workshops into their acreage to keep economic benefits within the local community .

• Rural Repopulation: The vital role woodland crofts play in overcoming rural housing barriers and bringing young people back to the land .

• Expanding Boundaries: The ongoing political push to extend crofting designation into the south of Scotland and the alternative models filling the gaps .

Hit subscribe to join us as we discuss how woodland crofts deliver simultaneously on land reform, climate action, and community wealth building .

• • Woodland Crofts Partnership – Resources, steering group reports, and structural guidance for setting up woodland crofts.

  • Woodland Crofts Steering Group Final Report The Potential and Practicalities of Forest Crofts: Steering Group Report 2006 report focusing on the use of the national forest estate for woodland crofts, but highlighting their benefits more generally. Still one of the best arguments for the development of woodland crofts.

  • Scottish Crofting Federation – the representative body for crofters, working to develop, promote and encourage crofting (and one of the WCP partners). Has a policy position that 5,000 new woodland crofts should be created Crofting Home - Scottish Crofting Federation

  • Crofting Commission – the regulator of crofting, a NDPB The Crofting Commission | The Crofting Commission