Ancient Woodlands of the National Park

In the National Park, 12,900 hectares (24%) of all woodlands are ancient. These are areas that have been continuously wooded since at least 1860. 

Currently, 3350 hectares of that ancient woodland area is planted with non-native trees and are a focus for restoration so that ancient woodland remnants are protected and help produce more diverse native woodland when restored. 

Why Are They Important?

Their age is what makes them so significant. Over centuries, ancient woodlands have developed a rich diversity of species and wildlife. The undisturbed soils, along with the accumulation of dead wood and leaf litter, create a unique habitat for fungi and invertebrates. 

Once lost, these woodlands cannot be recreated. Restoring new trees is just the start; it takes centuries for biodiversity to return and for the woodland ecosystem to rebuild. 

These woodlands are also a key part of our cultural heritage. Ancient woods and veteran trees have great cultural value to local communities, reflecting centuries of human interaction. 

Scotland’s iconic species, such as the red squirrel, pine marten, black grouse, and numerous birds, fungi, and invertebrates, all rely on ancient woodlands. 

There are different types of ancient woodlands, such as the Caledonian pinewood and temperate rainforest. Let’s explore each in turn. 

Temperate Rainforest

Temperate rainforests are rare and ecologically significant habitats. Found in coastal areas with high rainfall, mild winters, cool summers, and clean air, they occupy less than 1% of the planet’s surface. Scotland’s west coast, including the western half of the National Park, falls within the Alliance for Scotland’s Rainforest ‘rainforest zone’. 

Scotland’s temperate rainforests are distinguished by a variety of native tree species supporting a rich community of lichens, mosses, and liverworts. Many of these species are ancient, pre-dating humans, trees, and even dinosaurs. 

Much of the ancient woodland around Loch Lomond likely includes rainforest habitat. We are developing the Loch Lomond Rainforest project, conducting surveys to locate and assess rainforest areas and explore restoration options, such as controlling invasive species (e.g. Rhododendron ponticum), reducing grazing pressure, and fostering the growth of new trees and understory plants. 

Why Are They Important?

• Temperate rainforests are an extremely rare habitat, not just nationally, but globally too.  

• They are home to some globally rare and significant species of lichens, mosses, liverworts and fungi.  

• They can be an important local community resource for exercise, wellbeing, employment and tourism.  

• Healthy temperate rainforests act as a carbon store and can help reduce flooding and soil erosion.

Caledonian Pinewood

Scots pine was among the first species to colonise the Highlands after the last ice age. Along with rowan, birch, oak, aspen, and juniper, it formed the ancient Caledonian pine forest. 

Over 4,000 years, human activities and climate change reduced its extent, with a dramatic decline in the 18th and 19th centuries due to increased felling and grazing. Today, less than 1% of this forest remains, mostly as isolated remnants. Increased grazing pressure has hindered natural regeneration, leaving many remnants with only older trees, known as granny pines, and few young saplings. 

The National Park is home to two of the most southerly remnants: Coille Coire Chuilc and Glen Falloch pinewoods, both designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs). Expanding and connecting these remnants is crucial for improving habitat quality. 

Why Are They Important?

• They are ecologically important for wildlife such as crested tit, black grouse, capercaillie, red squirrels, pine martens, the Scottish Wildcat, wood ants and Britain’s only endemic bird, the Scottish crossbill. Healthy Caledonian pinewoods can support hundreds of other species of plants, lichens and fungi. 

• Restoring and expanding our existing remnants of Caledonian pine forest could one day see a return of those species currently missing from the National Park. 

• They are beautiful places, with diverse structures and mixes of tree species. Individual Scots pine trees can live up to 500 years, becoming twisted and gnarled by time and the elements.  

• Their cultural significance and mythological value. In fact, the Romans used to worship Scots pine trees – Scots pine mythology and folklore | Trees for Life 

We are fortunate that the National Park is home to such an amazing and valuable array of trees and woodlands, and we have a global responsibility to look after these habitats to make sure they don’t disappear, along with rare and important species that depend on them. Our work with partners to expand and improve the quality of these habitats through active management, aims to increase their health and resilience and connect forest areas across the National Park.  

Natalie Cozzolino, Project Management Advisor, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority