Biological diversity – or biodiversity – is the term given to the total diversity and variability of life on earth and of the natural systems of which we are all part.
Scotland's forests and biodiversity
Scotland's forests and woodlands occupy just 17% of our land surface but they support a disproportionately high share of our biodiversity. Forest biodiversity conservation is an integral part of both the Scottish Government's Scottish Forestry Strategy and Scottish Biodiversity Strategy.
Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS) plays a strong role in both strategies and we contribute to the UK Biodiversity Action Plan as lead partner for 6 native woodland action plans in Scotland.
FCS carries out a wide range of work to enhance or conserve biodiversity, by managing the national forest estate and encouraging good practice and conservation projects in private woodlands.
Our current work is summarised in Woods for Nature: Our Biodiversity Programme 2008-2011 (PDF 4Mb).
As part of our programme we have identified a suite of key threatened woodland species for action and our work for these are described in a series of Species Action Notes. Work to improve designated woodland sites is set out in a Scottish Programme for Protected Woodland Sites.
Further information
For more information on Woods for Nature or our biodiversity policies contact Gordon Patterson. For information on biodiverisyt work on the national forest estate, please contact Moira Baptie.
