Locating Scotland’s historic woods

Discover the past, contribute to the future with National Library of Scotland and Zulu Ecosystems.
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Project Overview

Mapping the historic woodlands

In a landmark collaboration, the National Library of Scotland and Zulu Ecosystems have created a comprehensive digital record of Scotland’s historic woodlands. Spanning back 180 years, this project transforms our understanding of these vital ecosystems using machine learning techniques to map ancient woodlands from the First Edition Ordnance Survey maps.

Ordnance Survey Six-Inch 1st edition maps (1843-1882)
Present-day satellite imagery, the National Library of Scotland
OS First Series Woodland Layer
How we created the woodland layer
Watch our video
The impact
The impact

Contribute to Scotland’s woodland heritage

Help us enhance the accuracy of our woodland layer by reporting any missing woodlands. Your contributions are vital in creating a more complete and accurate historic record for future generations and immediate restoration efforts.

Regenerating ancient woodlands

The Lost Woods programme

Our ancient woodlands are at a critical juncture. Faced with threats like overgrazing and environmental changes, many of these biodiverse and culturally significant ecosystems risk disappearing forever. Once lost, they cannot truly be recreated. However, with new financial incentives using the Woodland Carbon Code, remnant ancient woodlands, called ‘Lost Woods’, now have a chance for restoration.

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