Scotland's Forests Face Years of Storm Damage Recovery

Four years after devastating storms, the north east of Scotland is still contending with the aftermath. Storm Arwen in November 2021 and Storm Corrie in January 2022 felled tens of thousands of trees across vast natural heritage sites. The National Trust for Scotland reports that while disaster response efforts have largely concluded by 2025, the sheer volume of fallen trees means full cleanup will extend for years.

Significant replanting efforts began in spring 2024, with over 79,000 trees planted across approximately 50 hectares. The trust also raised over £202,000 through its Storm Appeal and Dedicate a Tree campaign to support these initiatives. However, the challenges are compounded by the increasing frequency of extreme weather events linked to climate change, creating a cycle of storm damage followed by heightened wildfire risks.

This evolving climate landscape means the trust must continuously fundraise and respond to new threats. The destruction of trees in winter storms creates fuel for summer wildfires, as tragically seen with the Arran Whitebeam at Glen Rosa. Consequently, ongoing appeals are crucial for protecting and restoring Scotland's natural landscapes against these persistent environmental pressures.