What advice it has been given on the extent and health of Scotland’s ancient woodland and what steps it is taking and intends to take to pr…

Scottish Natural Heritage identified 148,000 hectares of ancient woodlands in Scotland, in their Scottish Ancient Woodlands Inventory, published in 1987. Of these woodlands, 60% were still semi-natural woods and 40% were composed of plantations that had replaced the original, more natural woods.
Currently, all ancient and other native woodlands in Scotland are being surveyed under the Native Woodlands Survey of Scotland. This major project, led by Forestry Commission Scotland, will be completed in 2013. We will then, for the first time, have a comprehensive picture of the extent and current ecological condition of our ancient and native woods.
The Scottish Government recognises that ancient woodlands include many of the most valuable woodlands for biodiversity, and that they are also important in terms of cultural heritage. About 25% of ancient woods are currently protected within sites designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest for their woodland habitat features.
Improving the condition of designated woodland features and increasing the area of ancient and native woods that are being managed to restore biodiversity are priorities under the Scottish Government''s Forestry Strategy.