Tuesday, 12 November 2019
The Planning Support Team at Forestry and Land Scotland have a saying: “Everything happens somewhere." Mapping plays a huge role in all of the work that takes place in Scotland's forests, and without the technology behind GIS (Geographic Information Systems), their job would be a lot more difficult. “Knowing the locations of our forests and land—and what’s on them—is extreme...
Thursday, 31 October 2019
According to current estimates, peatland covers about 3% of the planet. Peat is made when many years' growth of plants partially decay, to build up a biodiversity-rich habitat. Peatlands vary in age, size and distribution across Scotland. The blanket bogs in the Scottish uplands started to form just over two thousand years ago, and their peat depth varies from between half a metre to 6 met...
Monday, 28 October 2019
The Clootie Well at Munlochy is a fascinating place to visit. A site of historical significance going back possibly as far as the 7th century, it has long attracted visitors and pilgrims due to its association with ancient, pre-Christian healing traditions, and is seen by many as a site of great importance to the Pagan religion. According to tradition, handed down from generation to generation,...
Thursday, 24 October 2019
A unique sculpture trail in the Cairngorms is slowly losing its works of art—just as the artist intended. The sculptures were made from reclaimed wood by the late Frank Bruce (1931—2009). The impressive and beloved collection of works in timber and stone are carved in the ‘archetypal abstraction’ style developed by the self-taught, Aviemore-based sculptor. Sited at Feshiebrid...
Wednesday, 23 October 2019
One of Scotland's most ancient and mysterious trees has been named the Woodland Trust's 'Tree of the Year' following a campaign by Forestry and Land Scotland and members of the public. The tree, known as 'The Last Ent of Affric' in honour of the tree-creatures invented by J.R.R. Tolkien in 'Lord of the Rings', is located in Glen Affric, near Cannich in the Scottish Highlands. Giles Brockman (pi...
Tuesday, 22 October 2019
This year marks 100 years since the passing of the Forestry Act of 1919. The act brought the Forestry Commission into being, and gave it responsibility for woods in England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. With only 5% of the UK afforested as the First World War began, the urgent need for timber mobilised a vast new workforce, and gave birth to a whole new era for the forestry industries. ...
Tuesday, 08 October 2019
Autumn: we can stop complaining about the heat, but still enjoy the outdoors without a hundred layers! Conkers litter the paths, pumpkin-spiced everything returns, and you can step back into your favourite pair of boots. But we all know the best bit is when the leaves give the colourful spring flowers a run for their money. We all love the season's spectacular hues. But why ...
Monday, 07 October 2019
One of the darkest places in Scotland, Galloway Forest Park became the UK’s first Dark Sky Park in 2009. With light pollution in cities impacting wildlife habitats, human health and biodiversity, finding places to enjoy the majesty of the night sky can be a challenge. For visitors to Scotland however, Galloway's Dark Sky Park, easily accessible from our Visitor Centre in Kirroughtree, offers ...
Thursday, 03 October 2019
Photo: buzzymelibee via Flickr With the October half-term approaching it's the perfect time to explore Scotland's forests at their finest. It’s when the landscape really comes to life in russet reds, brilliant oranges and dusty yellows of the season. Whether you're foraging, stargazing, or visiting your favourite place you need to make sure you've got the energy to make the most of it. Read ...
Wednesday, 25 September 2019
On Saturday 12 October, The Lodge Forest Visitor Centre will transform its trails into a wonderland of colour and light. Come and join us for an unforgettable night in the woods, which will let you see the forest in an entirely new and enchanting way. Celebrating 100 years of forestry This year's event is a little different. The theme is '100 years of Forestry'- celebrating a century sin...
Thursday, 19 September 2019
On the banks of Loch Lomond, a new partnership programme between Forestry and Land Scotland and the local community has been forging a new path in the realms of planning and consultation. As an area with some of the highest visitor footfall in the country, the communities in Loch Lomond and the surrounding areas are vital to developing sensible approaches to everything from biodiversity and cl...
Friday, 06 September 2019
There’s nothing better than escaping the hustle and bustle of the city and getting out into the wild. Crossing some water to get there makes the adventure all the more exciting. There are hidden forest gems and well-travelled trails all across Scotland’s coastline and islands, just a boat-ride away—many more accessible than you might think. The west of Scotland is internationally renowned...
Wednesday, 04 September 2019
On National Wildlife Day, our friend Heart of Argyll Wildlife’s Pete Creech brings us a guest blog on the beavers of Knapdale. Over the summer, they have been busy as... well, beavers! Find out what our Norwegian guests have been up to in the lochs and wetlands of Barnluasgan, and learn more about the different species who inhabit this picturesque woodland. Take it away, Pete! Moving...
Tuesday, 03 September 2019
There are all sorts of creatures living in the forest, and not all of them are easy to spot. You have to keep a sharp eye out when having a look through the undergrowth, or you might miss something! What's more, even the less beautiful forest creatures can tell us unique and fascinating things about our climate, our forests, and their biodiversity. Last week, our colleague Colin Edwards, Biodiv...