What's happened
NatureScot plans an online register for Scotland’s ancient woodlands, recording location and conditioning. The system, due to live in 2027, will include conifer forests, recently planted woodlands and even ‘ghost’ woods, with a PIN procurement launching 2026–27.
What's behind the headline?
- The move to an authoritative register signals a shift toward data-backed conservation in Scotland, potentially guiding planning decisions and infrastructure investments.
- The register could reduce uncertainty for developers, conservationists and communities by clarifying which woodlands exist, where they are, and their health.
- Risks include delays in procurement and scope creep, which could push the live date beyond 2027.
- The policy tension between development and nature protection remains central, with the register offering a tool to balance priorities.
How we got here
Ancient woodlands are identified from 1750 Roy maps or 1860 first-edition OS maps. NatureScot aims to map sites and assess their condition, supplementing existing maps with species lists and other context.
Our analysis
The Scotsman (Alistair Grant) reports on NatureScot’s 2027 live target and PIN contract; Woodland Trust Scotland argues for a comprehensive, authoritative register to provide clarity for developers and environmental groups.
Go deeper
- What happens if the register reveals poor woodland health in key sites?
- How will developers use the new data when planning projects?
- Will there be public access to the woodland health data and updates?
More on these topics
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Scotland - Country of the United Kingdom
Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Covering the northern third of the island of Great Britain, mainland Scotland has a 96 mile border with England to the southeast and is otherwise surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the north and w
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Forestry and Land Scotland - Government agency
Forestry and Land Scotland is responsible for managing and promoting Scotland's national forest estate: land, predominantly covered in forest, owned by the Scottish Government on behalf of the nation.