Scotland continues to lead UK in woodland creation

Scotland has retained its position as the UK’s leader in woodland creation, accounting for 54% of all new woodland planted across the UK over the past year, according to new statistics published today.

A total of 7,220 hectares of new woodland were created across Scotland in 2025-26, representing more than half of all UK woodland creation and reinforcing the country’s vital role in tackling climate change, supporting biodiversity and strengthening rural economies.

The figures also show Scotland exceeded its annual commitment to native woodland expansion, delivering 4,240 hectares of native woodland, surpassing the Scottish Government’s target of 4,000 hectares per year.

The new woodlands are helping to deliver significant environmental and economic benefits, with Scotland’s forestry sector supporting around 34,000 jobs and contributing more than £1.1 billion annually to the Scottish economy.

Minister for Agriculture, Marine and the Islands, Jim Fairlie, said:

“The Scottish Government remains firmly committed to increasing woodland creation. Today’s overall figures are disappointing and it is clear that we must do more to meet our stretching ambitions. However, it is encouraging to see strong progress in native woodlands and, indeed, positive signs for the years ahead.

“There is a really positive story to tell about integrating trees on farms and the network of farmers around the country doing this are very happy to share their experiences. I would encourage farmers to take a serious look at this option for their business in order to create habitat for livestock and wildlife and share in our endeavours to drive forwards our biodiversity targets while improving productivity.

“Scotland has an impressive record of creating the highest levels of new woodland in the UK – contributing not only to Scotland’s net zero target but also the UK’s. I would like to thank everyone involved, including forestry companies and agents, tree nurseries, farmers and other land managers, communities and Scottish Forestry staff. Your efforts are essential to achieving our climate and biodiversity goals as well as contributing to our economy.”

Scottish Forestry is working alongside the sector to develop a new Woodland Creation Delivery Plan, aimed at increasing the pace of woodland expansion and identifying improvements to support future growth. Additional enhancements to the woodland creation application process and community engagement arrangements are due to be introduced this autumn. Recent reforms to the Forestry Grant Scheme have also helped support woodland creation by increasing grant rates in key areas and addressing rising costs, particularly for smaller-scale projects led by farmers and crofters. The Woodland Carbon Code continues to attract private investment, providing land managers with additional financial support to make woodland projects viable.

Brendan Callaghan, Director of Operational Delivery at Scottish Forestry, said:

“Woodland creation is a long-term process, so it’s important to look at progress over time. Scotland has delivered 52,800 hectares of new woodland over the last five years. This is an area around double the size of Edinburgh, which demonstrates the scale of what has been achieved.

“We are continuing to support the sector, improve our processes and respond to feedback to help increase the pace of woodland creation. However, this must be balanced with delivering quality schemes. Every project must meet the UK Forestry Standard, ensuring new woodlands are well designed, protect the environment and include meaningful community engagement. This delivers lasting benefits for climate, biodiversity and communities.”

The latest figures underline Scotland’s continued leadership in woodland creation across the UK and highlight the important contribution forests and woodlands make to meeting climate targets, supporting nature recovery and sustaining rural communities.

For more on this story visit Scottish Forestry.