Monday, 20 December 2021
Please note: The following blog and information are correct as of 15 December 2021. For the latest information on forest and trail openings, please see our forest destination pages. Glentress is home to over 45 miles of walking and biking trails, not to mention the many miles of forest roads. Along with many forests in the east and south of Scotland, it was badly affe...
Friday, 17 December 2021
The UK is known for turbulent weather. Coming into winter, we expect to see higher winds, heavier rain and snow too. However, Storm Arwen was a considerable step above the usual bad weather. With extreme winds and some heavy snow battering the country, it caused large scale damage and several fatalities. Whilst the impact on utilities and services in some parts of the country was substantial, it h...
Wednesday, 17 November 2021
This partner-run project is thought to be the first of its kind in Scotland. Through a series of environmental restoration tasks, the project's goal is to restore the Black Water of Dee to be more favourable for salmon and trout. Infographic text Black Water of Dee Restoration Project. The lower secton of the Black Water of Dee river in Galloway runs from below the Hydro-Electric dam at C...
Monday, 11 October 2021
Autumn in Scotland is truly spectacular as our forests and lands start to glow a vibrant orange and yellow - making it a great time to visit our beautiful woodlands. This stunning display happens when broadleaf and some conifer trees start preparing for winter. The shorter and cooler days give the trees a signal to slow down and stop photosynthesis; this causes the colours to change. Learn mor...
Tuesday, 28 September 2021
Lichen are important organisms for tackling climate change and increasing biodiversity. However, recent monitoring work had shown some older coastal woodlands have taken over lichen habitat. We can help fix this with modern conservation efforts as we continue to find better ways for nature and forestry to exist together. Planting in Culbin began in the 1920s to stabilise dunes. This created hab...
Wednesday, 22 September 2021
With autumn on the horizon and the weather turning, it's the perfect time to remember all the amazing scenes that arrive in the latter part of the year: glorious colours, crisp & frosty mornings, a crunch underfoot and the comfort of a beanie hat! Here's a collection of autumn articles to get you inspired for the season ahead. Awesome autumn leaves Why do leaves change colour? And why r...
Thursday, 16 September 2021
Ospreys are one of Scotland’s greatest wildlife revival stories. Considered extinct as a breeding bird in the British Isles in 1916, there are now about 250 pairs across the country. Around August and September is when they begin the long flight south to warmer climes for winter. For newly fledged ospreys, this is the start of a treacherous journey. Raising chicks During the Scot...
Wednesday, 01 September 2021
The Year of Coasts & Waters has been extended throughout 2021, showcasing some of Scotland’s most beautiful landscapes. However, our amazing coastline isn’t all about beaches or cliffs, and it comes in lots of different shapes and sizes. Here, we’ve picked our favourite coastal forests to inspire you to explore and learn more about Scotland’s incredible coastal landscape...
Tuesday, 31 August 2021
Given the long lives of trees, it can be surprising to learn that many trees in Scotland are at risk from pests and diseases. Whilst some trees can live for centuries, some infections can cause them to deteriorate and die within a few weeks. We look after a large proportion of Scotland’s forests. Therefore our work to prevent and slow the spread of infections is crucial in keeping our national f...
Friday, 06 August 2021
Seasonal rangers make up a crucial part of our workforce every year. From helping other staff with their ongoing work to chatting with visitors to our forests, it's a varied and interesting role. We caught up with one such ranger, Carola, to see how she was getting on. What made you want to become a seasonal ranger with FLS? I love the outdoors and feel passionate about how it can benefit us all...
Thursday, 15 July 2021
We don’t just grow and fell trees. We also lead in conserving landscapes. For World Nature Conservation Day, we’re highlighting several projects that protect and enhance nature in Scotland. Designated sites & species These areas are known globally as important for science and nature. This includes Caledonian pine forests, Atlantic oak woods or even peat bogs. These sites are home...
Tuesday, 01 June 2021
So, you’re planning a trip in a motorhome. What should you bring? Which campsite or caravan park should you book? This is where we can help you answer those questions. Travelling around Scotland in a motorhome is a great way to explore the country and discover the wide variety of experiences on offer. It gives you the freedom to set your own agenda and travel at a pace that suits you. If...
Thursday, 27 May 2021
Harvesting trees has always been of high value to society. Whether clearing land for agriculture, as a source of fuel, or material for construction, there is much to be gained from a felled tree. Planting trees has not had such a high value until the last century. Phases of planting following both World Wars did much to restore Britain’s forests, but plenty of barren years since then have...
Monday, 22 March 2021
Our new learning resource, A Song in Stone, explores Scotland’s amazing outdoor gallery of ancient rock art – abstract designs of cup and ring marks that our Neolithic ancestors carved over 4,000 years ago. The booklet is packed with fresh ideas, stunning photography and great illustrations. To celebrate its publication, our archaeologist Matt is calling for aspiring young archaeologists and ...