Ancient Caledonian Forest

The Ancient Caledonian Forest once covered most of the Highlands below the rugged mountain tops, but over the centuries it was diminished and fragmented by clearance for human activities like agriculture, the production of timber for two world wars and overgrazing by red deer and sheep. Over the last 40 years, much has been done to regenerate and replant the native forests in many parts of the Highlands, gradually restoring not just trees but the unique biodiversity and landscapes associated with the ancient woodlands. I have had a lifelong love of trees and my husband was closely involved with this restoration process. This is an extract from a song he wrote:

Now I walk through the Highlands, the old birch and pine,

Through the forests once ravaged by man.

But I know as I sleep the young seedlings will grow,

And the fine Ancient forest is endangered no more.

I feel sad when I think I’ll not see them grow tall,

And the twinflower and the blaeberry thrive,

But those who come after, wherever they stand,

Will see woodland and forest o’er this beautiful land.