Information

1. What's so special about Scotland's trees, woods and forests?

Scotland is the most-wooded country in the United Kingdom, with more than 17 per cent of its land area under trees. It has one of the fastest-expanding areas of woodland anywhere, having trebled its woodland cover from about 5 per cent 100 years ago. It has recently been growing by about 10,000 hectares (equivalent to about 13,000 football pitches) every year.

In recent years there has been an upsurge of activity to look after and expand our valuable native woodlands, such as the groundswell of support for the Millennium Forest for Scotland project.

Scotland’s woods and forests are an enormous recreational resource, attracting about 22 million individual visits a year to walk, ride, cycle, fish, camp and watch wildlife.

Scotland also has a stunning collection of remarkable trees, including the Fortingall Yew, estimated to be at least 3000 years old and which is the oldest living thing in Europe. (Click on the ‘Heritage’ button at left to find out about them).

Scotland’s forests directly support more than 10,000 jobs and generate £800 million worth of business every year. This figure is set to grow as new forests reach maturity, so that Scotland will soon produce more timber than it uses and become a net exporter of timber.

Scotland’s forests are sustainably managed to high environmental standards, as laid down in the UK Forestry Standard - harvested trees must be replaced, while many of our most valuable wild plants and animals are protected in forest areas.

2. Who is the Treefest programme for?

The Treefest Partnership’s continuing programme of events and promotions celebrating trees, woods and forests is for the enjoyment of the people of Scotland and visitors to Scotland.  It is open for anyone to take part, from those who earn their living in the woods to those who appreciate their beauty and the aesthetic contribution that trees make to our spiritual and mental well-being.

3. What sort of events are available?

Events range from small, local guided woodland walks and wildlife watches to national and even international events, including

• The Scottish Wood Fair at Perth, promoting the uses and benefits of sustainably grown Scottish wood;
• 'The Enchanted Forest', an acclaimed sound-and-light show, presented by the Perthshire Big Tree Country group in woodlands near Dunkeld. Visit http://www.enchantedforest.org.uk to find out more.

4. Where can I find out what's on in Scotland's woods and forests?

Use the events search to look for events that interest you.  You might also want to use Forestry Commission Scotland's What's On search.

5. Who organises these events?

A wide range of organisations and local enthusiasts with an interest in trees, woods and forests came together from the voluntary, government and private sectors. Forestry Commission Scotland, which acts as the Scottish Government’s forestry department, provides core services as well as organising many events. Other organisations playing key roles include: VisitScotland (formerly the Scottish Tourist Board), the Woodland Trust Scotland; Scottish Enterprise, the local enterprise companies and the Forest Industries Cluster; the Forestry and Timber Association; the Royal Scottish Forestry Society; the Forestry Contracting Association; the RSPB, the Scottish Wildlife Trust and the Royal Botanic Garden of Edinburgh.

6. My organisation is involved with trees, woods and forests in Scotland - can we contribute, and what does it cost?

Yes, you can, and it’s free. This website’s ‘Events’ listing can be updated daily. That means it’s never too late to contribute your forthcoming events to Scotland’s programme of tree, woodland and forest-related events, and benefit from the wider publicity that joint promotion can offer. To find out how to add your events to the programme, contact , contact James McDougall on 01738 442830 or email:james.mcdougall@forestry.gsi.gov.uk.

7. My organisation would like to get involved, but will need support to put our ideas into action - is this available?

Yes, financial or practical support might be available from or through the Treefest partnership. To discuss your proposal, contact James McDougall.  Telephone 01738 442830 or email:james.mcdougall@forestry.gsi.gov.uk