Native Woodlands

Native woodlands within the Western Isles are an extremely valuable natural resource, providing important habitat diversity for flora and fauna. At present native woodland is restricted to areas out with the reach of grazing animals such as sheep, cattle and Deer. Therefore trees such as Rowan and Aspen are found clinging to rock faces and steep coastal slopes that are out of reach to these species. It has now been recognised that the protection of native tree species for habitat diversity and genetic safe guarding is a high priority within the Western Isles. This has led to the production of a Native Woodland Habitat Action Plan (HAP), as part of the Western Isles Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP) which is available in PDF format through the link below:

Native Woodland Habitat Action Plan (638 KB)

The Comhairle in partnership with FCS, SNH and Trees for Life has produced a Native Woodland Booklet to help provide guidance on native woodland restoration in the Western Isles. To access a PDF copy, click on the link below.

Native Woodland Booklet (1,487 KB)

Woodland regeneration at Rhenigidale, Harris