Part 3/8:
The Remnants of a Lost Forest
Among the few surviving patches of Scotland's rich forest ecology are the famed Black Wood of Ranoch and the Abany Nature Reserve within the Kores National Park. The Black Wood is a notable remnant of the ancient Caledonian Pine Forest that has seen a drastic decline of over 99% of its original range over the past six millennia. Approximately 1.5 million hectares of this once-thriving ecosystem have been lost.
This decline can be attributed largely to three key industries: agriculture, forestry, and hunting. While none of these industries are inherently detrimental, the extent and methods employed have significantly contributed to the degradation of Scotland's natural landscapes.