Forestry and woodlands

The 2019 Scotland's Finest Woods Award are open for entries.

This year's awards programme is the biggest ever, with the Farm Woodland category expanded and a unique one-off award to celebrate the centenary of the 1919 Forestry Act.

Scotland's Finest Woods Awards highlight all that is best in Scotland’s management of its woods and forests, and showcase how they contribute to the wealth and well-being of Scotland’s people. 

The 2019 Awards are:

Beavers were hunted to extinction in Scotland about 400 years ago. In 2009, an official trial reintroduction of beavers, the Scottish Beaver Trial (SBT), took place in mid-Argyll. Since 2006, beavers have also been reported in Tayside as a result of unauthorised releases. The Scottish Government announced in November 2016 that it was minded to retain the Eurasian beaver in Scotland, and for them to be allowed to recolonise naturally.

Conservation charity Trees for Life is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its flagship Dundreggan Conservation Estate in Glenmoriston – marking a decade of restoring the Caledonian Forest at the acclaimed site, and an ongoing commitment to investing in the local community.

Making Woodland Work for You

A practical walk and talk afternoon exploring the benefits of woodland creation and management, as well as funding opportunities.

Includes discussion on what to plant, where and why; managing existing woodland and accessing available support. 

Come along to hear and discuss what trees can do for you. 

Speakers from Forestry Commission Scotland, Woodland Trust Scotland and the Association of Scottish Hardwood Sawmillers, with Dee Ward of Rottal Estate.

Views are being sought on a new draft Forestry Strategy for Scotland which aims to make the most of precious forestry resources and help cement the country’s reputation as a responsible global citizen.

The 2018 Scottish Rural Parliament will take place in Stranraer in Dumfries and Galloway on 14th– 16th November. If you live in or are passionate about rural areas in Scotland, you can attend to learn and make your voice heard. This year's theme is "Taking Action".

The event brings together people from rural communities with decision-makers, for three days of celebration and exploration. Participants examine a wide-range of issues affecting rural communities and make recommendations for change.

Trees for Life’s crowdfunding appeal to raise at least £20,000 has passed the 80 per cent mark in its first two weeks, with the conservation charity “thrilled” by a wave of positive responses to the initiative.

Figures released earlier this month show that 7,100 hectares of new woodland was planted during 2017/18, a rise of 2,300 hectares from the previous year - a figure described as 'very encouraging' by Rural Affairs Secretary Fergus Ewing. This means that Scotland was responsible for 78% of new woodland creation in the UK last year.

Golden eagles, beavers, ospreys and pine martens will all take centre stage in a landmark new conservation book aiming to inspire a change in attitudes towards a wilder Scotland. 'Scotland: A Rewilding Journey' will lay out a vision of how rewilding could transform Scotland and benefit it

Trees for Life has launched an appeal to raise £22,000 to ensure a better future for red squirrels in the Highlands of Scotland.

The Reds Return appeal will enable the reintroduction of red squirrels in up to eight woodlands in the north-west Highlands, where new populations will be able to flourish, safe from competition and disease from grey squirrels.

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