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Scotland's Native Trees and Shrubs
Seeds of change
The responsibility for the future of our native woodlands is increasingly being put into the hands of dedicated agencies, organisations and communities throughout Scotland. Many new areas of funding sources, focusing on conservation, education, biodiversity, public access and environmental issues are now available, with sources ranging from the New Opportunities Fund and Forestry Commission Woodland Grant Schemes to European rural development incentives. A continued and concerted long term vision and management strategy is required to ensure that Scotland's native trees and woodlands expand and survive.
Commercial companies are getting involved with campaigns such as 'Trees of Time and Place'. Such projects encourage the public to gather native tree seeds, and aim to promote broader community partnerships and an awareness of the role that trees play in our environment.
As well as high-profile national schemes such as these, smaller projects are springing up throughout the country, through local councils and local community action groups. These may be funded by private companies and other sources, for example, Highland Birchwoods, the Woodland Trust and the Local Bio-diversity Action Groups, to name but a few. In this way, the public can become involved in the safeguarding of our natural heritage for future generations. The Scottish Executive Development Department recognises that it has a critical role in promoting initiatives and taking direct action to ensure the continued survival of our genetic pool of native tree and shrub populations in Scotland.
Native species of local, genetic origin are more likely to be suited to local climate conditions and landscape character.
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