Trees, woodland and forestry

Trees and surrounding habitat

Trees can provide an important habitat for many species. Larger mature trees especially may support bat roosts or be used by nesting birds. Before starting any tree works, you must consider the impact of the activity on protected species.

It is against the law to disturb or harm any protected species including:

• roosting bats
• breeding or nesting birds
• squirrels

Further information:

• Statutory Protected Species Supplementary Guidance
• Scottish Natural Heritage Protected Species
• Bats and development

We will sometimes leave standing deadwood or habitat piles of felled and cross-cut timber in a woodland after tree works have been carried out on our trees, where it is safe to do so.

Standing and fallen deadwood is a valuable woodland habitat which provides a home for invertebrates, fungi, mosses and lichens. In addition, the invertebrates living in the deadwood provide food for bats and birds and ultimately the deadwood is broken down and contributes to nutrient recycling which helps existing and any new trees. There is a popular misconception that deadwood piles attract vermin, but this is not the case. Please do not disturb habitat piles.

We do not allow members of the public to cut standing trees or lift felled timber for firewood from our land for the above reasons.