The use of economic and participatory approaches to assess forest development: a case study in the Ettrick Valley

The forest floodplain restoration project in the Ettrick Valley in the Borders Region of Scotland is a nationally important project which aims to expand and create forest floodplain habitats along the Upper Ettrick. The project aims to enhance existing habitats and wildlife whilst ensuring a partnership approach is maintained with the local community. The paper evaluates the projectʹs success in achieving these aims, using two distinct approaches. The first, an economic approach uses the contingent valuation method to estimate the total economic value of the site. Results show that the mean willingness to contribute to this project on a one-off basis, was £10.39 per household. Aggregated over the Borders population, these results suggest that the project has a minimum value of approximately £450 000, as compared with an estimated cost of £350 000. The second approach uses participatory methodology — a Citizens’ Jury. A Citizens’ Jury consists of a small group of people, selected to represent the general public, who meet to deliberate upon a policy question. The Jury met to assess the project and to provide qualitative information on its value and importance to the local community. The Citizens’ Jury approved of the project, and although they did not place a monetary value upon it, they indicated that they valued the role it played in preserving the natural ecosystem, encouraging wildlife and educating the young. However, they were concerned about visitor access and the future management of the site.