Our Native Woodlands

After the last Ice Age, when man first returned to Scotland, 80% of the land area was wooded. Now barely 2% is native woodland.

Scotland’s natural environment is one of our greatest assets, and native woodlands are our most diverse wildlife habitat on land. These woods are vitally important for their contribution to:

• the carbon cycle, and therefore our health
• land stability
• our freshwater ecosystems
• our landscape
• our education
• our leisure
• our economic values, and
• OUR FUTURE

Increasing concern for the future of our natural environment and growing recognition of its value has led to the development of national Biodiversity Habitat and Species Action Plans. Scottish Executive targets include the expansion of native woodlands. Scottish Native Woods, through our key activities, play an important role in achieving these targets for the nation.