Monday, 02 December 2019
How much do you know about bats? They are a protected species in Scotland, but thanks to the efforts of dedicated bat-fans, a few species are increasing in number. The growing populations are a huge success story for this fascinating flying mammal. Let’s celebrate with some bat-facts! Bats are brilliant! A female Natterer's bat is handled by an FLS wildlife expert Bats are remarkable crea...
Tuesday, 19 November 2019
The Tree Council’s nation-wide celebration National Tree Week is here! Back in 2017, the Council and dozens of partner organisations and charities got together to create The Tree Charter, or to give it its full title, The Charter for Woods, Trees and People. A mini-manifesto of sorts, the Charter is intended to help communities, individuals and trees to stand together. It looks at t...
Tuesday, 19 November 2019
Walking through the forests and national parks of North America, at some point you are bound to come across a version of the ‘Prayer of the Woods’. Usually carved on a plaque at the entrance to a forest trail, the ‘prayer’ takes the form of a short poem presented as an anonymous work. While its most common title is ‘Prayer of the Woods’ it does not have a religious origin. It is tra...
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
One of the sculptures pictured above, as it now lays. 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-tau...
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. Afte...
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 do...
Thursday, 03 October 2019
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 on to find out what to pack for ...
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...
Friday, 20 September 2019
Hope has made it across the Sahara The last report about Hope was that she had safely made it across the Alboran Sea and arrived in North Africa. Since then, she travelled down through Morocco and entered into dangerous Saharan territory. She headed into the desert and we have waited with baited breath to see if she would make it across such a harsh landscape after having journeyed so far. We don...
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 a...