The Forestry Commission
The Trees at Tentsmuir
Tentsmuir now has loads of trees, specifically Scots and Corsican pine, so how did they get here?!
The trees were planted by the forestry commision in 1924 and planting continued until 1954.
The whole plantation covers old bare sand dunes, and the shape of these dunes can still be seen on the forest floor (they are called 'fossilised dunes'). The trees have caused the dunes to dry out, so grass grows on them instead of heather.
Management of Tentsmuir
Baby trees used to be removed by hand, which would be tiring and difficult work; over 5400 trees were removed in 1958, which is equal to at least 14 a day!
Can you guess how trees are removed today? Watch the video to find out!
Tentsmuir is a protected site due to the fascinating birds, seals, plants, butterflies and the sand-dune system. It is called a nature reserve, but very little about it is truly natural!
People have influenced what Tentsmuir looks like for thousands of years, and today people continue to work hard every day to manage the plants, trees, dunes and lochs to make Tentsmuir a place everyone can come and enjoy!
Have you been paying attention? It’s time for a quick question!
Can you remember when the Forestry Commision first planted trees at Tentsmuir?
Click on the question mark to find out!