ForestHarvest :   non-timber forest products in Scotland

Upland birchwoods

Though generally rather species-poor, upland birchwoods can survive in harsher conditions than most other forest types. Thus they tend to be the most common woods on the upper slopes of the mountains of the Highlands. Rowan is commonly found in these birchwoods, and in wetter areas willow may be present. These are Scotland's most abundant woodlands.

• In the north of Scotland, where conditions are less favourable for other forest types, birch woodlands of this type may spread down to sea level.
• Birch is a pioneer tree that regenerates best on open land. These woodlands are constantly expanding at the edges and dying off where the trees are old.
• Silver birch is more common in the central and eastern highlands, and downy birch in the north and west.
• Wetter Atlantic birchwoods may be rich in mosses, lichens and liverworts.
• Some of these woodlands were once rich in oak, which has since been felled.

What to find in an upland birchwood

Birch

Brown birch bolete

Blaeberry

Juniper

Rowan