First detailed map of Scotland’s native woodlands published

The first complete map and dataset of Scotland's native woodlands has been produced after an eight year Native Woodland Survey of Scotland (NWSS) carried out by Forestry Commission Scotland.

Thought to be the most comprehensive habitat survey project ever carried out in the UK and possibly the first example of its kind in Europe, the survey results include details on the location, type, extent, composition and condition of all native woodlands, and plantations on ancient woodland sites, over 0.5ha in size.

Paul Wheelhouse, minister for the environment and climate change said: "This survey - unique in terms of its depth, scope and focus - has for the first time given us a detailed, authoritative picture of a vitally important element of Scotland’s 'natural capital'.

"For example, the survey found that over 22.5 per cent (311,153ha) of Scotland’s forests are native woodland - with 42 per cent of these being in the Highlands - and that 46% of native woodland is in satisfactory condition for biodiversity.

"While we have no comparable historic data to compare with the survey, the survey findings suggest that over the past 40 years we have lost a significant amount of ancient woodland in the uplands, and the survey has shown that the most widespread threat to native woodland health and regeneration is excessive browsing and grazing, mainly by deer."

This unique, free-to-access dataset can be used for a wide range of purposes – from informing national policy to more local, strategic uses, including:

• strategic planning for areas such as national parks, local authorities, river catchments or habitat networks;
• development planning and control;
• environmental assessments;
• targeting incentives for management;
• management planning for individual woodlands;
• assessing potential exposure to tree pests and disease threats

As well as being available in an online dataset and summarized in national, local and regional reports, the NWSS includes a series of general information films about native woodland types.

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