Out & About After the Thaw

The slow thaw is underway in the North East and allowing access to the woods again.

The quantity and longevity of the snow fall so far this winter has resulted in a variety of damage to our woods.

In a number of young native woods planted over the last few years, the heavy & drifting snow has pushed over tree stakes and broken tree ties.


To ensure the years of tree growth are not wasted and before this summers growth, it is important to undertake remedial work such as replacing & firming tree stakes or renewing tree ties.

During the winter months in periods of deep snow mammals such as rabbits & roe deer survive by feeding on tree bark exposed above the snow.

In the case of this young willow tree, the base has been protected from browsing damage and it will regrow or coppice from the base.

Atlantic rainforest

Scotland's west coast is the home to Britain's very own rainforest. Not a tropical, but a temperate, rainforest, the hazel and oak woods in Argyll & Lochaber are home to a whole host of non flowering plants, such as the luxuriant lichens showing here. We're part of a partnership aiming to make sure these woods thrive. The partnership has just published a leaflet that you can download at http://www.scottishnativewoods.org.uk/