Flower power to transform woodlands

The comprehensive step-by-step guidance aims to speed up the natural colonisation of important woodland flora into newly planted woods.

Published today by NatureScot, the work is funded by the Patsy Wood Trust and supported by Scottish Forestry, Plantlife Scotland, Scotia Seeds and Stirling University.

With just 4% of Scotland comprising native woodland, the Scottish Government is prioritising tree planting to address the climate and biodiversity crises with incentives to encourage uptake.

Planting of new broadleaved woodland can often take place on former agricultural land, but it can take decades or even centuries for these sites to acquire much-loved woodland plants.

The guide recommends that small populations of key common woodland plants such as dog violet, bluebells, wild garlic and primrose are sown or planted; with these chosen carefully to match the woodland type and soil conditions.  These small populations are then encouraged to spread naturally over time, enriching the habitat and creating a more attractive space for people to enjoy.

NatureScot Woodlands Officer Kate Holl said: “When native trees are planted it can often take decades for other woodland species to appear. We can give nature a helping hand by planting wildflowers and grasses to speed up the process and boost biodiversity.

“We need to build on our precious existing ancient woodlands which are home to dozens of species of colourful woodland flowers.

“Once we thought that if we waited long enough the flowers would appear, but experience from the past 40 years has shown that this rarely works.

“This guide shows that when well-planned and implemented, introducing flowers and other plants to certain woods can kick start this process, greatly improving woodland biodiversity, helping threatened pollinators and making a real contribution to tackling the nature crisis.”

Lead author and woodland consultant Rick Worrell, said: “Unfortunately woodland plants find it very hard to spread naturally in our current landscape. This is because they often rely on woodland insects, like ants, to spread their seed; and ants aren’t able to cross farmland and carry seed from wood to wood. This new guidance has people stepping in to give a helping hand.”

Colin Edwards, Scottish Forestry’s Environment Policy Advisor said: “We recognise the immense ecological value in developing a native ground flora at the same time as establishing new woodland through planting. Woodlands are complex systems, so any assistance we can give to creating these natural habitats is welcomed.”

ENDS