Look After

Forests and Woodland

The Cairngorms National Park contains the most extensive tracts of Caledonian forest in Britain, comprising pine, juniper and broadleaved species. The Park also contains the best examples in Scotland of bog woodland, mountain willow scrub and stands of aspen. The native pine woodlands of predominantly self-sown Scots pine are the western-most link to the extensive boreal forest which formerly covered a much larger area of northern Europe.

This extensive, varied and predominantly native network is one of the most valuable ecological networks in Britain, and it is one of the most widely recognised special qualities of the Park.

With the unarguable onset of climate change there has never been a more important time to ensure that the species and habitats within the Park are protected and enhanced. Not just a haven for wildlife, the forests and woodland of the National Park offer a fantastic natural playground for humans too - exploring nature trails, mountain biking and bird watching are all popular pursuits of visitors and locals alike.