Why are we expanding Scotland’s woodlands?

• biodiversity

More forests mean more habitats for native species. Carefully planned expansion can reconnect fragmented habitats and support wildlife corridors.

How we support biodiversity

• carbon storage

Forests play a significant role in locking carbon in trees, soils, and peatlands.

Managing soil

• flood mitigation and water quality

Forests regulate water flow, reduce flood risks, and improve water quality.

Managing water

• job creation

The forestry sector employs nearly 35,000 people in Scotland.

Apply for a job in forestry

• tourism and recreation

Forests attract millions of visitors, supporting rural economies.

• sustainable timber

Expanding forests ensures a steady supply of timber and wood products, supporting Scotland’s growing bioeconomy.

• rural development

Forestry supports jobs and businesses in rural areas, from planting and harvesting to tourism and recreation.

• health and wellbeing

Access to green spaces improves mental and physical health. Expanding forests near communities enhances quality of life.

Woods for health

• education

Forests provide outdoor learning environments for children and opportunities for skills development in land management and conservation.

Woods for learning

• community engagement

Thousands of volunteers participate in forest-related activities.

Community engagement in decisions about forestry

• cultural value

Woodlands are part of Scotland’s heritage and identity. Expansion helps preserve this legacy for future generations.

Scotland’s Forestry Strategy 2019–2029 has a 50-year vision for forests and woodlands. It promotes sustainable land use, climate resilience, and inclusive growth.

Scotland's Forestry Strategy 2019-2029

Increasing Scotland’s woodlands is vital for:

• supporting future vision
• maximizing environmental, economic and social benefits
• mitigating the twin threats of climate change and loss of biodiversity

Managing woodlands to combat climate change

The Scottish Government aims to increase woodland cover to 21% of the land area by 2032, up from around 19% today. 

This involves planting 15,000 hectares per year.

Expanding woodland cover is essential for Scotland to meet its Net Zero emissions targets.

Why plant trees?

Part of Scotland’s Forestry Strategy is ensuring that woodlands are sustainably managed, which includes preventing inappropriate woodland losses, particularly ancient woodland. 

Scotland’s west coast is home to the rainforest zone, which comprises irreplaceable ecosystems, rich in biodiversity, and often home to rare species of plants, fungi, and animals. 

Yet Scotland’s rainforest is under threat. Only 30,000 hectares remaining, which is just 2% of Scotland’s woodland cover. 

Scotland's rainforest

Protecting native woodland:

• preserves Scotland’s culture, heritage, and history
• maximises the biodiversity value of trees

Planting new trees next to old ones enables wildlife to flow!

Scotland's native woodlands

Forestry is vital to Scotland’s future — environmentally, economically, and culturally.

It plays a central role in:

• tackling climate change by capturing carbon
• restoring biodiversity
• protecting natural resources like soil and water 

It also:

• supports rural livelihoods
• enhances landscapes
• connects communities with nature

Scotland continues to lead on sustainability, investing in and protecting its both ancient and newly planted forests. This ensures a greener, more resilient country for the generations to come.