Trees and woods: at the heart of nature recovery in Scotland

We are in a nature crisis. Scotland is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world, with one in nine species threatened
with extinction.

Our Trees and woods: at the heart of nature recovery in Scotland report shows the central role that Scotland's woods and trees should play in recovering nature.

With the Scottish government committing to halt the decline of species by 2030 and reverse it with large-scale restoration by 2045, our report also provides recommendations for national and local government to implement to make this happen.

Trees and woods: at the heart of nature recovery in Scotland lays out principles for nature recovery across five key habitats – native and ancient woodlands, rivers, uplands and mountains, lowland farms, and towns and cities – and outlines the significant role native woods and trees must play in Scotland's nature recovery.

The report sets out how action is needed to reduce deer numbers, incentivise farmers to integrate more trees and hedges, develop new Forestry Grant Scheme options, establish a Rainforest Restoration Fund and strengthen biosecurity. It also explains how action now can provide the resilient, dynamic ecosystems needed to stabilise and then increase the populations of Scotland’s most vulnerable and threatened species, creating a Scotland that thrives for nature, climate and people.