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Key Scottish Environment Statistics 2006

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Area of Woodland: 1924-2005

Area of Woodland: 1924-2005

1924

1947

1965

1980

1995

2006 15

Area (000 hectares)

435

513

656

920

1,282

1,337

% of total land

5.5

6.5

8.3

11.7

16.3

17.1

The extent of woodland 16 is of significant environmental importance. Woodland provides wildlife habitats and affects the physical environment, and is also valued as a location for recreation and for its contribution to the landscape. It can also contribute to the sustainable production of wood products and paper, and provide a source of renewable energy.

Woodland is managed by the Forestry Commission, other public bodies (including other government departments and local authorities), and private owners. The Forestry Commission manages just over a third of woodland in Scotland. Planting and management of non-Forestry Commission woodland is normally carried out with the assistance of government grants. 52% of Scotland's woodland area is certified as sustainably managed.

New planting of woodland peaked in 1988 and 1989 when over 25,000 hectares of new woodland a year were created. Since then new planting has declined to below 4,000 hectares in 2005-06.

SOURCE: FORESTRY COMMISSION 17

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Page updated: Tuesday, August 15, 2006