Bunce Native Pinewood Survey of Scotland
In 1971, a comprehensive ecological survey of the native pinewoods of Scotland was carried out by the Nature Conservancy, a predecessor of the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology. The survey, utilising demonstrably repeatable methods, collected information on ground flora, soils, forest structure and also general site information from the major 27 sites of the 35 sites identified as truly native pinewoods in Scotland. A repeat of the survey was undertaken between 2018 and 2022, managed by the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology and funded largely by the Woodland Trust, thus providing the opportunity to assess changes in the vegetation, habitats and tree composition in a statistically robust manner.
The survey was initiated as a consequence of growing concern about the status of the pinewood resource. Since the twentieth century, this unique habitat is widely recognised, not only by ecologists for its inherent biodiversity but also by the general public for its cultural and amenity value. The results from the 1971 survey prompted the organisation of an international symposium in 1975, which set the conservation agenda for the old Caledonian pinewoods.
The survey was initiated as a consequence of growing concern about the status of the pinewood resource. Since the twentieth century, this unique habitat is widely recognised, not only by ecologists for its inherent biodiversity but also by the general public for its cultural and amenity value. The results from the 1971 survey prompted the organisation of an international symposium in 1975, which set the conservation agenda for the old Caledonian pinewoods.