WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

Many of the woodlands have a long history of local management and use and were highly valued for providing grazing and shelter for livestock, plentiful wild game and a renewable supply of firewood and timber for building. Up until the middle of the 19th century, this traditional management helped to ensure their health and survival. However, with the decline of traditional management combined with the emergence of new threats such as overgrazing, planting with exotic conifers and rhododendron invasion, the condition of many of these woods has declined. 

By providing active management for 30 woods within 12 cSACs, the Project will help to ensure that vulnerable habitats and species are conserved and that Scotland fulfils its key role in Natura 2000. These sites will provide centres of biological diversity and good practice, acting as high quality ‘Core Sites’ within our wider network of forests and contributing to the development of a national ‘Forest Habitat Network’.