Rural Scotland People, Prosperity and Partnership
Native woodlandsScotland's native woodlands contribute greatly to the diversity of the countryside. However they are only a remnant of what was once an extensive range of habitats. Their rich bryophyte communities and mixtures of woodland species reflect Scotland's oceanic climate, giving them an international importance. But many are unmanaged and unprotected, making little economic contribution to their locality and unable to regenerate because of grazing. In recent years a number of partnerships have been established to sustain and expand native woodland habitats. They include Scottish Native Woods, Highland Birchwoods, The Caledonian Partnership, Tayside Native Woodlands Initiative and the Northwest Sutherland Native Woodland Initiative. We are assessing the achievements of woodland initiatives throughout Britain, to identify best practices and promote them more widely. The woodland environment is ideally suited to a wide range of recreational pursuits. Income can be generated with little additional investment in forest infrastructure. As well as providing additional income to the forest unit, recreation facilities can enhance the visitor attractiveness of a locality and contribute in that way to the local economy. The Forestry Commission is developing a recreation best practice pack for woodland owners including advice on how to make the most of opportunities and where to go for help.
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