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In response to deforestation following World War I, widespread commercial forestry initiatives promoted planting fast-growing non-native conifers. While this strategy sought to replenish timber supplies, it inadvertently further displaced native species and diminished ecological value. The resulting landscapes, characterized by densely planted monocultures, are vastly different from the rich biodiversity of native Scots pine forests.
Restoration Efforts: A Hopeful Future
Restoring Scotland's forests has never been more crucial, and organizations like Trees for Life are leading the charge. Their Highland Rewilding project focuses on extensive restoration efforts that aim to revive native habitats by mapping remaining forest fragments and assessing their health.