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Scotland’s historic environment

An integral part of Scotland's story is the history of the country's woodlands, and their relationship with Scotland’s people.

Published: 22 Feb 2025

Topic: Manage forests

The landscape of Scotland has hosted 10,000 years of human history.

Evidence is preserved both above and below ground. This may be in both existing woodlands or in areas that would benefit from woodland creation.

We recognise that:

  • our woodlands are a central part of our culture, economy and environment
  • we have a duty to identify and protect heritage features
  • we must take into account the cultural, historic and designed landscapes when assessing or approving plans

We should encourage the active management of these sites. To secure and enhance their condition for future generations.

Explore our historic environment publications

Important: Legal protections for the historic environment

Be aware that there are legal protections for the historic environment.

Please ensure you seek further advice and guidance when required.

You made need consent whilst working in the vicinity of some sites. Historic Environment Scotland (HES) or you local authority can advise further.

It is your responsibility to identify historical constraints when submitting a plan. Any planned operations should identify how you will protect any features on or around the site.

Online training course

Forestry Commission Scotland (the division of the UK Forestry Commission responsible for forestry in Scotland until 2019) developed a training course to promote best practice with the historic environment.

These should be considered when planning operations in and around forests and woodlands.

Content includes information on:

  • the identification of historic sites
  • the protection of those sites
  • conservation management 

The course has been developed especially for woodland managers developing forest management plans. 

It follows the UK Forestry Standard (UKFS) Forests and Historic Environment Guidelines. 

It will also benefit those with an interest in the historic environment in these locations.

Session 1 - Historical Landscapes (Forestry Commission Scotland YouTube channel)
Session 2 - Legislation, Guidelines and Guidance (Forestry Commission Scotland YouTube channel)
Session 3 - The use of Historic Environment Records / HERs (Forestry Commission Scotland YouTube channel)
Session 4 - When do you need specialist input? (Forestry Commission Scotland YouTube channel)
Session 5 - UK Forestry Standard Historic Environment Guidelines (Forestry Commission Scotland YouTube channel)
Session 6 - Success and Failure (Forestry Commission Scotland YouTube channel)

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