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 ...
Monday, 15 February 2021
Beavers typically get all the glory when it comes to building ecosystems, but water voles also play an important part in shaping Scottish wetlands. Though not as well-known, these small but mighty creatures are eco-system engineers, positively impacting biodiversity and helping plants grow. Eco-system engineers are animals whose very existence can change the environment they live...
Wednesday, 10 February 2021
From Rachel Carson to Jane Goodall this world has seen many fierce women in the field of science. FLS is lucky to have our own team of scientists pushing the boundaries of conservation and land management. We want to celebrate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science by highlighting some of the work women in forestry are doing right here in Scotland and impacting our land at a v...
Monday, 25 January 2021
The red squirrel is one of our favourite forest dwellers. Bright and colourful with a cheeky personality, they’re a perennial favourite. Here are a few interesting facts you might not know about this compact critter. Double-jointed The red squirrel has double-jointed ankles allowing it to climb up and down trees with immense agility. Being so flexible allows them to grip on precarious ...
Tuesday, 08 December 2020
With the temperature dropping and snow upon the mountains, it’s time to dig out your winter coat. Many animals are no different. With the need to stay warm during the winter months, or wishing to stay hidden in a changing landscape, being able to alter your colouring is a useful trick adopted by several Scottish animals. Here we have a look at some classic examples. Mountain Hare The m...
Tuesday, 08 December 2020
The forest can be a wonderful place for a walk at any time of the year, but the crisp quiet of a wintry day is both calming and inspiring. Here’s our top 5 forest walks for when the temperature plummets and snow starts to fall… Lochan Uaine and Ryvoan, Cairngorms The turquoise waters of the Green Lochan never fail to inspire, and all the more so when surrounded by ...