Helping woodland owners

It has been estimated that there are around 500 hectares of Aspen woodland in Scotland. Few of these woodlands are currently being actively managed. However, under sympathetic management, they could deliver many benefits.

The Project is helping to restore and expand existing Aspen woodlands by encouraging land-holders to undertake appropriate management. This may include reducing grazing levels to allow suckers to establish. Some stands may be managed for particular Aspen-dependent species.  Creating a continuous supply of Aspen deadwood may help the Aspen hoverfly, for instance.

The Project will also encourage land-holders to establish new Aspen stands. In core Aspen areas, new plantings will be sited to enhance functional connectivity between stands, and help develop networks of Aspen habitat.