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Native Woodland Survey of Scotland

The Native Woodland Survey of Scotland (NWSS) was the first reliable inventory of our native woodlands, supporting future monitoring and management efforts.

Published: 22 Feb 2025

Topic: Manage forests

The survey was carried out between 2006 and 2013.  

It used a field-based methodology to identify, map, and assess the condition of woods across Scotland, including:

  • native woodlands
  • nearly-native woodlands
  • Plantations on Ancient Woodland Sites (PAWS) 

The survey aimed to create a baseline inventory of native woodlands, to support future monitoring and management efforts, including their:

  • location
  • type
  • extent
  • composition
  • condition


What did the survey reveal about the condition of native woods?

The most widespread threat to the condition of native woods is excessive herbivore impact, largely due to deer. 

Threats from non-native tree species and invasive non-native shrub species (especially rhododendron) are locally important.

The survey in statistics

311,153
hectares (ha)
of native woods surveyed
22.5%
of all
Scotland's woodlands
13,383
hectares (ha)
of nearly-native woods surveyed

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