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...
Monday, 26 August 2019
Foraging for mushrooms and other wild-growing ingredients is one of the most fun and rewarding activities you can get up to in Scotland's forests. Not only do you get to see and hear all the wonders of the wild woods... you get to taste them as well! As our feature on foraging explains, there are some very important safety considerations to pay attention to when foraging for any wild food...
Tuesday, 20 August 2019
The hunt is on at the wildlife-rich coastal forest of Tentsmuir this August, as staff from Forestry and Land Scotland and Butterfly Conservation Scotland team up to track down the elusive and endangered Lunar Yellow Underwing moth. Over the past decade, the Lunar Yellow Underwing has become exceptionally scarce in Scotland. As far as our experts are aware, Tentsmuir is the moth's sole surviving...
Tuesday, 30 July 2019
Copyright Forestry & Land Scotland / Robert C. Brady When the sun shines, it’s the perfect time to dust off the camping gear, pack up the essentials and herd the family out the front door. Head to the countryside, and spend a night or two under the canvas! After all, what could be better than waking up in the wild? If you’re looking for the perfect place to pitch up in the woods, look ...