Home Manage forests Improving your woodland How to improve your woodland Learn how to improve the way your woodlands are used by nature and society. An improved woodland is more likely to deliver a diverse range of benefits. Published: 22 Feb 2025 Topic: Manage forests There are different ways to improve your woodland.An improved woodland will better demonstrate the standards of sustainable forest management, as set out in UK Forestry Standard.We will assess any applications we receive against this standard.The UK Forestry Standard (5th edition) Aim for sustainable woodland We will only approve forestry plans when we are sure they are sustainable.An improved woodland is more likely to deliver a diverse range of environmental, social and economic benefits. Help combat climate change Adapting to climate change, by making your forest more resilient. Improve forest resilienceThis will help reduce the risk of:pest and diseasesPrevent pests and diseaseswind throwPrepare for stormswildfire Prevent wildfireConsider a broad strategy to help manage your woodlands in a changing climate.Managing woodlands to combat climate change What about natural regeneration? Natural regeneration is the term used to describe how trees establish themselves, without being planted.Find out how natural regeneration can be used and how this is supported and regulated by Scottish Forestry. Find out about natural regeneration Other reasons to improve your woodland encouraging an increase in biodiversity and wildlifeHow we support biodiversityrestoring native woodlands or other priority habitatsScotland's native woodlandsimproving habitat connectivityForest habitat networksimprove how your woodland sits within the local landscapeScotland's wooded landscapethe removal of invasive speciesManaging non-native speciesimproving public access and recreationBenefits for people and communitiesmaking a woodland better suited to urban settings and developmentWoods In and Around Towns (WIAT) Woodland Improvement Grant We have different support available to help you to improve your woodland. This comes in the form of guidance and grants for woodland owners. For example, the Woodland Improvement Grant aims to provide support for a range of activities that enhance existing woodlands. Explore the Woodland Improvement Grant
