Discover the best of Britain's trees and forests - as recommended by Scottish Woodlands experts
Here at Scottish Woodlands, our directors and staff know a thing or two about tremendous trees and fantastic forests across the United Kingdom.
Over the Christmas and New Year holiday, many of us like to walk in the woods. So if you’re looking for inspiration for somewhere to visit, why not follow the tips of our staff, who have shared their choices of wonderful woodlands and favourite forests as part of the ‘Meet The team’ video series?
Managing Director Ian Robinson's favourite is Kyloe Wood in Northumberland. This mixed woodland offers a little bit of everything - lush green meadows, scenic ponds, and peaceful wooded trails.
Forestry Director Dessy Henry’s favourite tree is the stately Sitka Spruce. He recommends visiting Altarichard Forest in North Antrim, Northern Ireland, to admire these fast-growing conifers up close.
Scots Pine earns top marks from Neil Crookston, Director for SWL’s North Region. He suggests exploring Glen Affric’s Caledonian pinewood, home to the most extensive Scots pine forest in Scotland.
England and Wales Director Michael Hall is a fan of the diverse, extensive Kielder Forest. With over 250 square miles of woodland rich in wildlife, Kielder offers endless outdoor adventure. It's also one of the largest dark sky zones in the UK and hosts Kielder Observatory for those that want to combine a forest visit with some stargazing.
Charles Bushby, Director of the Central Region, selected the graceful birch tree as his favourite and has chosen a woodland creation site in Cambusurich near Loch Tay as his favourite forest. The young trees in this location are still getting established but there are plenty of walking routes to choose from in the nearby Tay Forest Park.
David Robertson, our Investment & Business Development Director, recommends visiting the Rough Wood in Glen Strathfarrar. The woodland is situated close to Loch Ness, so you could combine a trip with some monster hunting! His favourite tree is a rowan. In autumn, these mountain ashes dazzle with vibrant red berries and foliage and the glens near Inverness are a great place to see them.
South-East Regional Manager Charlotte Cavey-Wilcox chose the iconic oak as her top tree - and her favourite place to see them is at Lochwood Oaks, near Moffat. Some of the ancient, moss-covered oaks in this atmospheric woodland are estimated to be over 400 years old.
Technical Director Simon Oldham’s favourite is the handsome, broad-crowned wych elm. You’ll spot these hardy trees in Mainhouse Wood, near Kelso in the Scottish Borders, as you follow scenic trails by the River Tweed.
And finally, Regional Harvesting Manager Alex Cranke loves the mighty Douglas fir. He recommends a visit to Philiphaugh Estate near Selkirk to stand beneath the soaring, pillar-straight Douglas firs in Grand Fir Avenue and experience these evergreen giants.
The common thread from speaking with Scottish Woodlands experts is that the United Kingdom is filled with amazing forests and trees waiting to be explored. Whether you’re looking for mighty oaks, elegant birches, or towering Douglas firs, there’s an inspiring woodland out there based on our staff picks.
We hope these recommendations can spark your imagination, and that you enjoy some of these woodlands as much as our staff do.
