Scotland’s rich and diverse forests and woodlands are important natural assets, they absorb substantial amounts of carbon, helping to mitigate climate change and provide homes to a host of wildlife. Their continuing health and improvement is vital to the country’s future, not least because of their role in protecting and enhancing natural capital.

Communities across Scotland benefit from the goods and services that flow from natural capital, including:

• biodiversity
• timber
• food
• renewable energy
• water purification
• flood mitigation
• cultural, recreational, educational and therapeutic experiences

Researchers at Stirling University have recorded over 1,000 species associated with Scottish forests.

Our forestry strategy 

One of the priority actions of Scotland’s forestry strategy is to enhance the environmental benefits provided by forests and woodlands. We'll continue to manage our forests and woodlands to protect and enhance their associated biodiversity, through design and management practices which help deliver greater environmental benefits.

Scotland’s forests are home to range of species including 172 that are protected.