Help us recover Scotland’s threatened ancient woodlands
Ghost woodlands are relicts of ancient woodlands where less than 20% of the canopy cover remains.
Although these woods appear to be dying, they have a high ecological and conservation value. Help us breathe new life into these precious woodlands today.
Ancient woodlands have been forested for centuries, they’re sometimes even relicts of forests dating back to the end of the last Ice Age. Ancient woodland is among the most important habitats for biodiversity in Scotland, hosting a range of rare specialist fungi, lichens, mosses, animals and plants that are not often found in woodlands of more recent origin.
Ghost woodlands are our most threatened ancient woodlands- degraded by centuries of overbrowsing. Without intervention, these woodlands could soon be lost forever as the few remaining older trees die and are not replaced by a new cohort of younger trees.
Future Woodlands Scotland works with landowners, farmers and crofters to restore these woodlands, providing advice, support and funding to naturally regenerate woodlands by reducing browsing pressure.
To learn more, read our FAQs below and then email our Future Woodlands Manager to get started.
You can also use Future Woodlands Scotland’s interactive mapping tool to help locate ghost woodlands.
Ghost woodlands projects
Frequently asked questions on ghost woodlands
What are ghost woodlands?
Ghost woodlands are relicts of ancient woodlands where less than 20% of the canopy cover remains. Although these woods are ‘dying on their feet’, they have a high ecological and conservation value.
Why are ghost woodlands important?
Ghost woodlands are among our most threatened examples ancient woodlands. Without intervention, these woodland could soon be lost forever.
How do you know if your land has ghost woodlands?
To determine if your land has ghost woodland, you can take a look at Future Woodland Scotland’s interactive ghost woodland map.
Alternatively, if you think your woodland may have been missed off the map, you can:
- Check the Ancient Woodland Inventory. You can explore this using the Ancient Woodland Inventory layer on Scotland’s Environment Map.
- If your woodland doesn’t feature on the Inventory, you can also check old maps available from the National Library of Scotland to look for signs of tree cover.
- Look for key characteristics: to be considered a ghost woodland, remaining tree canopy cover should be less than 20% and the woodland should exhibit evidence of heavy grazing by deer and/or livestock.
How do I apply for support?
To begin the process, please email our Future Woodlands Manager, who will arrange a time to discuss further.
What type of support is available?
Future Woodlands Scotland can provide free advice, support and in some cases funding to restore ghost woodlands. We feel ghost woodlands are best restored through a landscape approach that involves reducing deer numbers to a sustainable level, but acknowledge that fencing may also be required in some circumstances.
Who is eligible for the ghost woodlands programme?
Anyone who owns or manages a ghost woodland.
What impact has the Future Woodlands programme had so far?
Our programme is successfully restoring seven ghost woodlands, covering 730 hectares, and is revitalising ecosystems once thought lost.
Where can I find more information?
For more details, feel free to email us.
Support our work to transform Scotland’s landscapes using trees
Join us in making a tangible impact for wildlife, communities and climate.