We’re proud to unveil a mapping tool that highlights 10,000 hectares of “ghost woodlands”—ancient woodlands with less than 20% canopy cover.

These fragile habitats are at serious risk of disappearing, and we believe urgent action is needed to save them. The tool identifies 10,000 hectares of “ghost woodlands”— ancient woodlands with less than 20% canopy cover. These endangered woodlands are at risk of disappearing without urgent action.

Developed using data from aerial survey company Bluesky International, it provides crucial data to help landowners and policy makers take action to restore these vital habitats. The interactive tool used Bluesky’s National Tree Map™ to identify ghost woodlands by analysing canopy cover of woodlands mapped on the Ancient Woodland Inventory.

“Ancient woodland is an irreplaceable habitat, home to unique biodiversity not found in woodlands of a more recent origin. Our mapping tool highlights many of the ancient woodlands most at risk of being lost and urgently need restoration.”

Kieran Leigh-Moy, our Future Woodlands Manager

A critical turning point for ancient woodlands

A decade ago, the Native Woodland Survey for Scotland estimated that 18,000 hectares of ancient woodland could have been lost over a 40 year period. Over-browsing by deer and sheep prevents natural regeneration, so as existing trees mature and die, there isn’t a new cohort of trees to replace them. Just 5.5% of woodland creation supported through the Forestry Grant Scheme between 2015 and 2021 was achieved through natural regeneration.

Focusing more woodland creation on the natural regeneration of ancient woodlands is more likely to deliver greater biodiversity benefits.

The mapping tool is part of our wider programme to restore ghost woodlands. Following a successful pilot that finished in March 2024, we plan to scale up efforts by focusing on landscape-wide deer management instead of relying solely on fencing. Users can use the new mapping tool on the charity’s website to identify ancient woodland in need of restoration.

Explore the new tool

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Image: Four months of natural regrowth, helped by new fencing on a Future Woodlands Scotland project.