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WHAT
IS THE PROJECT ABOUT? The highest quality examples of Scotland’s native woodlands have been identified as candidate Special Areas of Conservation (cSACs) under the terms of the European Community Habitats Directive. These
woods, which include Atlantic Oakwoods, Alder-Ash Floodplain Woods,
Caledonian Pinewoods, Bog woodland and Mixed Woodlands of steep rocky
slopes and gorges will become part of a European Union network of high
quality conservation sites called Natura 2000.
The term Natura comes from the Habitats Directive and symbolises
the conservation of precious natural resources for the year 2000 and
beyond. Part
of Scotland’s obligation to the EC Habitats Directive and commitment
to the Natura network is to avoid deterioration of these special
woodlands and, where appropriate, restore them. This project is about
providing the necessary positive management for three types of woodland
– Atlantic Oakwoods, Alder Floodplain Woods and Mixed Gorge Woodland
– at twelve cSACs covering 30 individual woods and over 4,000 hectares
of woodland habitat. In
recognition of the special nature of these woods, The Forestry
Commission, Scottish Natural Heritage and the European Commission’s
LIFE-Nature Programme are working together to provide financial support
through the Core Forest Sites Grant to improve their conservation value.
Owners of woodlands within the twelve sites may be able to access
financial assistance through this special grant. |
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