Ghost Woodlands
Restoring Scotland’s ancient woodlands
Ghost woodlands are some of Scotland’s most threatened types of ancient woodland. These once thriving sites have been reduced to fragments, with less than 20% of their original tree canopy remaining. Many are quite literally ‘dying on their feet’.
Without young trees to take their place – held back by decades of overgrazing – these precious habitats are fading. It’s estimated that the Scottish uplands may have already lost ancient woodland covering an area the size of Glasgow since the 1970s. Without intervention, ghost woodlands could be lost for good.
Despite their condition, ghost woodlands still hold significant ecological value. With the right action, they can be restored to support wildlife, biodiversity, and contribute to Scotland’s climate goals.
At Future Woodlands Scotland, restoring these fragmented ancient woodlands is a major priority. We’re leading a national programme to identify, support and restore these lost habitats, working closely with landowners and farmers across Scotland. If you’re looking to restore degraded native woodland on your land, we can help. We provide funding, advice and the practical support you need to create healthier, more resilient landscapes.
Funding and support available
We’ll work with you to assess your site, create a tailored restoration plan, and provide funding to reduce grazing pressure and restore tree cover through natural regeneration. Ongoing support is available throughout the restoration process.
How to get started
To determine if your land has ghost woodland, you can:
- review old maps from the National Library of Scotland
- look for signs of ghost woodland: canopy cover under 20%, heavy browsing and remnant ancient trees
- explore our interactive ghost woodland map
- check out the Ancient Woodland Inventory on Scotland’s Environment Map
- get in touch with our Project Manager, Kieran Leigh-Moy
Check for a ghost woodland on your land with our interactive mapping tool
How to use the tool
The map provides a detailed view of ancient woodlands at risk of being lost forever.
- Search: The tool is searchable using longitude and latitude coordinates. If you have British National Grid References, you’ll need to convert them using tools like Grid Reference Finder.
- Additional data: Shapefiles and details of the methodology used to create the map are available upon request.
If you own or manage a woodland shown on the map and would like support to restore it, please contact us at: [email protected].
Latest Ghost Woodlands stories
Ghost Woodlands projects
Contact us
If you have any questions about Ghost woodlands, please contact Kieran Leigh-Moy, Project Manager
[email protected] or visit the Contact us page for more information.
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