Over 15% of our land is under trees, amounting to 600 acres. Whilst the majority is commercial, over 75 acres are amenity.

The commercial trees, planted under government grants after the second world war, were established on those wetter areas which had not been cleared for agricultural in the previous century. The trees grew too well, and the combination of rapid growth and shallow rooting, made them prone to wind damage, and half were felled fifteen years ago. The decision was made to encourage natural regeneration, and the result is a profusion of birch and heather.

There was considerable planting by the Victorians, especially along the North Esk. Whilst Elm have in the main succumbed to disease, there remain a profusion of mature hardwoods, especially beech, copper beech, oak and ash.