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.
We encourage the use of Forest Plans to enable a coherent, long term view to be taken of their management and work to increase the area of old growth stands and the use of systems which encourage 'continuous cover'.
Increasing the use of native and broadleaf trees
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.
Scotland's native forests, principally Scots pine and birch in the eastern highlands, oak, ash and elm in the western seaboard ('Atlantic Oakwoods') and mixed broadleaves, pine and oak in the lowlands are important for the wider environmental benefits they provide.
Landscape improvement and cultural heritage
Landscape improvement and protection of cultural heritage are also important aspects of the Scottish Forestry Strategy and we aim to improve the social, ecological and economic value of woods and forests by enhancing their landscape value and their cultural heritage assets. By adopting best practice as set out in the UK Forestry Standard and associated guidelines, the natural and historic landscape and the cultural heritage value of woods and forests can be enhanced.
