Annual Scots pine collection
Wednesday, 12 April 2023
Scots pine is our national tree and was once used to make ship masts. Its timber is strong and easy to work with making it a popular building product even today. It’s also a key pioneer specie…
Take a forest drive
Thursday, 30 March 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 …
Engineering students urged to consider a forestry career
Thursday, 30 March 2023
Civil engineering students across Scotland are being urged to consider a career working in forests instead of urban environments. We are seeing a growing need for civil engineers and have vacancies…
Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2023
Monday, 27 February 2023
Every year we take on around 25 apprentices throughout our organisation, and all across Scotland. From Trees and Timber to Mechanical Engineering, and Procurement to Data Science, we're proud to offer…
Rhododendron ponticum: the silent killer of Scotland's rainforest
Wednesday, 01 February 2023
Scotland is home to a range of rare temperate rainforests. These are woodlands native to the west of Scotland which are made up of birch, hazel, ash, oak and pine trees. They're rich in biodiversity …
Spending a day along the Queen’s Way in Galloway
Tuesday, 31 January 2023
Galloway is a great place to explore, with animal experiences to stunning walks and lochs. The Queen’s Way is a 17-mile scenic road that runs between New Galloway and Newton Stewart. Though the …
Off-the-shelf GPS could improve UK timber quality
Wednesday, 25 January 2023
We are currently trialing an off-the-shelf GPS to find out whether it can help further increase timber quality by improving a key stage of tree planting. The excavator-mounted GPS device will b…
Lichen survey at Whitelee forest
Thursday, 05 January 2023
We recently hosted a volunteer event at Whitelee forest, just south of East Kilbride. This event was attended by volunteers from SRUC, ORCS (Oatridge Conservation Volunteers) and lichenologist John Do…
Using remote cameras to boost capercaillie conservation efforts in the Highlands
Wednesday, 04 January 2023
Almost a hundred cameras were set up across the 60,000 hectares of land that makes up the Cairngorms Connect project area. The equipment captured over 3,000 images and videos of capercaillie, from Ap…
Protecting rare species on west coast hazel
Tuesday, 13 December 2022
Hazel coppicing was a traditional practice in lowland Britain and is often now carried out to support biodiversity that needs temporary open space in woodlands. However, this form of management can …
To translate a broch
Monday, 28 November 2022
Dr Alasdair MacCaluim describes the translation of To Build a Broch, an important new learning resource from our archaeology team, into Gaelic. To view in Gaelic, use the button below to toggle the En…
Thermal imaging trial helping with pine marten surveys
Monday, 07 November 2022
Specially-designed thermal imaging cameras are being used to identify an increasing population of pine martens. Our South Region is currently trialling an innovative technique using thermal imaging…
Wind blow and deadwood in forests can be a force for good
Wednesday, 02 November 2022
Although storm damage can hinder public access to forests and take time to clear, it is an essential part of the forest ecosystem. Alongside normal harvesting and storm clearance work, forest ma…
Our favourite forests for cycling
Tuesday, 25 October 2022
Our forests are more than just great places for a stroll, they are amazing places to enjoy a leisurely cycle. From daylong routes to shorter treks, we have put together our favourite places to enjoy a…