Woodlands and Forestry
Ancient woodland is land that has been continually wooded since at least AD1750 in Scotland. After 1600, planting of woodland became more common, so woodland that pre-dates this is more likely to have grown up naturally. Some ancient woodlands may even be a link back to the original Wildwood that covered the UK around 10,000 years ago, after the last ice age. In Scotland much of this formed the Great Caledonian forest which covered much of Scotland.
Ancient woods have developed on undisturbed soils. This means that woods planted or growing up naturally today will not become ancient woods in 400 years’ time, as the soils on which they have developed have been modifed by modern agriculture or industry, and the fragmentation of natural habitats in today’s landscape hampers species natural movements and interactions.
The long continuity of ancient woods makes them our most valuable habitat. They support a huge range of species, many which are unable to move easily so they only live in ancient woods.
Forestry Commission Scotland conserves and improves the biodiversity of our forests and woods by promoting good environmental practice in the management of our production forests. In the past ten years, Scotland's forest resource has become increasingly diverse and more natural-looking through the use of open space and increased use of native and broadleaved trees, often planted in mosaics along with more productive conifers.
This brings further environmental benefits, as well as providing a haven for wildlife. In addition, our forests provide a variety of wonderful opportunities for recreation and education.
In this group you will learn about the methodology used to protect woodland and forests in Scotland. You will get a chance to work in a forest environment with experts and contribute to the management of woodland in the North East of Scotland.