Scotland’s Native Woodlands: Results from the Native Woodland Survey of Scotland

The Native Woodland Survey of Scotland (NWSS), carried out between 2006 and 2013 has provided the first authoritative picture of Scotland’s native woodlands. It used field survey to identify the location, type, extent, composition and condition of all native and nearly native woods, as well as woods planted on ancient woodland sites (PAWS). This report […]

Trees and the Scottish Enlightenment – A learning resource for teachers

Trees and the Scottish Enlightenment is an introduction to the Enlightenment and the beginnings of modern forestry.

Managing woodland access and forest operations in Scotland

Forests and woodlands bring wide-ranging and diverse benefits to people in Scotland. They are ideal places for people of all ages to participate in leisure, recreation and sports. However, forests are also workplaces. Forestry is an important part of the rural economy, and the production of timber provides revenue for landowners and jobs for the […]

Wolf Brother’s Wildwoods

Imagining Mesolithic life in Scotland's forests and woodlands: an outdoor learning resource for teachers of Curriculum for Excellence Level 2. This resource has been produced to support teachers who are reading the novel Wolf Brother by Michelle Paver with their classes. Set in Mesolithic times, the novel is not only an exciting read but also reveals […]

Managing forests as red squirrel strongholds

Stronghold forests are large areas of coniferous and mixed forest identified as having the potential to sustain resilient and healthy populations of red squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris) over the long-term.

Achieving diversity in Scotland’s forest landscapes

Diversity in forests is essential to conserve biodiversity and expand habitats, and to contribute towards enhancing landscape quality and recreation opportunities. In addition, introducing species and age diversity throughout a forest can increase their resilience to pests, diseases and fire, and extend economic opportunities. This Practice Guide offers advice and ideas from which a forest manager […]

Conserving and managing trees and woodlands in Scotland’s designed landscapes

Since Medieval times, designed landscapes have evolved and at times changed dramatically in style and character. Throughout all periods and recognised styles however, trees have been an essential feature. In the 20th century social and economic changes proved challenging times for land management, with a combination of estate fragmentation, decline and changed land-use policies, specifically […]

The forgotten forest: the story of Whitelee Forest in the 20th Century

This is the story of forestry in and around Whitelee Forest, based on the memory of those who lived and work in forestry, knitted together from personal recollections.

Managing forests for white-tailed eagles

White-tailed eagles (sea eagles) were re-introduced to Scotland from the 1970s and there are now over 50 breeding pairs. They frequently nest and roost in woodlands and tend to use habitual nest sites. The species has a high degree of legal protection, and woodland managers need to plan operations carefully to avoid disturbing the birds […]

Management of ancient wood pasture

This guidance note provides an introduction to the restoration and management of ancient wood pastures in Scotland. It is aimed at land managers, their advisers and agency staff involved in land management and grant assessment. It has also been developed to help applicants to the Scottish Rural Development Programme deliver the ‘Management of Ancient Wood […]

Identifying the historic environment in Scotland’s forests and woodlands

Identifying the historic environment in Scotland’s forests and woodlands has been prepared by Forestry Commission Scotland and Archaeology Scotland as an aid to forestry and woodland managers when considering the historic environment in their stewardship. The principal purpose of this practice guide is to provide an accessible introduction to exploring ‘archaeology in the field’. Archaeological and […]

No rivalry but different

This is the story of forestry in and around Glenmore and Rothiemurchus based on the memory of those who lived and work in forestry, knitted together from personal recollections.