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An important survey of woods and forests on Arran is now two-thirds complete.
A team of researchers is currently on south Arran gathering information from every woodland and forest of more than 0.5 hectares south of Brodick.
The team began in October last year scouring every brae, field and village to discover exactly how much native woodland there is in the identified area.
Their work is part of the Native Woodland Survey of Scotland (NWSS) – a six-year project by Forestry Commission Scotland and Forest Research.
Their findings will form a vital database about Scotland’s native woodlands which will hold key information about how much native woodland there is; what types of native woodland exist; what condition they are in; and where they are.
The team on Arran is being led by Dr Zoe Laird and is using the most up-to-date technology to record their information.
Zoe said it was hoped the team would find alder, ash, rowan, birch and aspen during their fieldwork.
‘I am delighted the survey team has received positive support from local Isle of Arran landowners while conducting their research,’ she added.
South Arran was chosen because it has been successfully mapped using aerial photography, which helps the team to map woodland areas on the land.
Paul Munro, press officer for Forestry Commission Scotland, said it was hoped to have some news specifically about Arran by the end of this year.
He added: ‘The field-based survey is being carried out to identify the location, type and condition of all of Scotland native woodlands to improve our understanding of this valuable resource.
‘Previous surveys have focused on regions of Scotland, specific types of woodland, or woodlands at a larger scale, thus excluding some small but important native woodland habitats.
‘The information gathered in this current survey will help us to assess the opportunities that exist for making the most of these woodlands, particularly in the areas of nature conservation and heritage.
‘It will also help the Commission and other public bodies in the development of policies and incentives for owners to help to manage these woodlands in the future.’
