Wednesday, 02 August 2023
Last year we posted a blog about a new trial using thermal imaging cameras to survey artificial den boxes in Galloway Forest Park. We're pleased to confirm this innovative method of monitoring pine marten boxes has been a success.
This spring, our team checked over 100 artificial nesting boxes to assess the local pine marten population, and detected a number of baby pine martens (called kits) u...
Monday, 31 July 2023
Deer management plays a large part in how we will achieve our ongoing climate and biodiversity goals. It is estimated that there are now over 1 million deer in Scotland, a number that has doubled in the past 30 years.
We are looking to the CivTech challenge for help to see if we can manage these numbers in a more efficient way and help us modernise how we transport venison from the forest to our ...
Thursday, 27 July 2023
An estimated 20 million birch seeds have been scattered on the hillside above the A83 thanks to the use of drone technology.
We've been working closely with Transport Scotland in this latest phase of drone seeding, which is aimed to help reduce the likelihood of landslips on the notorious Rest and Be Thankful. The technique, that we first trialled last year, is being tested and evaluated by our...
Tuesday, 11 July 2023
Moray is a great place to escape for the weekend. With stunning beaches, a rich history, and expansive forests to explore. Check out some of our more popular spots and get inspired to head east this summer.
Roseisle
Cycle forest trails or relax on sandy beaches.
Relax on the white sandy beach and explore the historic defence structures built during WW2. These concrete remnants were used...
Thursday, 06 July 2023
We are trialling new measures to promote access and keep the public safe during the next phase of storm damage clear-up at Kirkhill Forest.
With work due to begin on 3 July and likely to take six weeks, we have put diversions in place to enable continued access to some areas of the forest. However, additional measures will be in place to encourage people to stay away from harv...
Thursday, 29 June 2023
Earlier this year one of our foresters discovered a huge jigsaw piece while surveying for an upcoming land management plan.
The shape covers around 2 hectares and is one of three pieces found in the area.
The irregularity was noticed during a desk-based assessment of all available aerial images and historic maps. This showed a distinct pocket of broadleaf trees inside a large plantation of pro...
Wednesday, 21 June 2023
We are using technology more and more to help us modernise forestry to make it safer and more efficient. Most recently we started to see how we can use drone to map out where rhododendron needs to be controlled.
We have been working for over 25 years to turn back the relentless tide of invasive rhododendron that is smothering much of the west coast and threatening unique rainforest habitat. Rem...
Tuesday, 13 June 2023
We are urging members of the public to adhere to warning and safety signage to avoid putting themselves in danger from being crushed by trees, machinery or being ‘shot’ by broken chain links from chainsaws or harvesters.
The call comes as the organisation records significant increase in reports from worried staff and contractors regarding incursions onto live harvesting sites b...
Thursday, 08 June 2023
Our staff recently toured the James Jones sawmill in Lockerbie, where large volumes of our timber are processed for construction and other markets. The tour was part of the Marketing and Sales Quality Assurance workshop in our South Region.
Seeing what happens to our timber once it leaves the forest is rare for our staff and as the group were taken around the sawmill by James Jones General Mana...
Tuesday, 06 June 2023
Helping young people understand the need for peatland restoration was the aim of a successful outing for Golspie High School pupils to Dalchork Forest last month, thanks to our North Region and NatureScot.
The day on-site was part of a larger project, supported by the Developing Young Workforce (DYW) co-ordinator for the school, which as well as exploring the science of peatland restoration also ...
Monday, 29 May 2023
Our Forest Drives are once again open for vehicle access. These facilities are a great way to get into the forest and see some stunning sights from across the country.
Though these drives are once again open to cars, they have remained open all winter for walkers and other forest users. Please drive carefully and share the road.
Visit the individual forest pages to learn more about...
Tuesday, 23 May 2023
Summer is a great time to get out and explore Scotland’s best natural spaces.
We recently conducted a survey* asking Scottish people if they participated in outdoor activities. These ranged from dog walking, hill walking and water sports to mountain biking, wild camping, wildlife photography and angling.
88% of those surveyed said they used the national forests and land for these activities.&n...
Thursday, 18 May 2023
Work on the Glentress Masterplan has been well underway for several months now and we're starting to see some real progress. 16km of new trails are being added to the network to suit every level of rider. In advance of opening the new trails, we need to give them a name, which is where you come in.
Jumps on the Black taster trail beginning to take shape
We want your help to pick a trail ...
Wednesday, 10 May 2023
If you go out to the more open areas of Scotland’s national forests and land, especially places with deep heather and old fence lines, you may see someone looking somewhat intently at the fence posts.
They are likely checking each post for resting moths or other invertebrate species, such as small dark yellow underwing found on a post on Loch Shaw last year. Despite their unnatural purpose, fen...
