A new document outlining information and advice to help Scottish land owners preserve the historic environment of woodlands and forests across the country has been published.

Historic Environment Information and Advice for Woodland Managers in Scotland has been produced by Forestry Commission Scotland in conjunction with a range of organisations, including Historic Scotland, Archaeology Scotland and the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland. The Association of Local Government Archaeological Officers and the Garden History Society in Scotland also comprised the working group, which commissioned Ayrshire-based Rathmell Archaeology to develop the guide.

Information contained in the guide is provided within the context of the policy and regulatory framework for forestry in Scotland and includes details on historic environment designations and relevant legislation. Scottish environment minister Roseanna Cunningham said: "Our forests and woodlands are a vital element of the rural economy, providing jobs, business opportunities and an important boosts to tourism through recreation. There is a need to balance these priorities with the protection and conservation of our historic environment.

"In many cases, precious archaeological sites, ancient trees and historic landscapes have survived through the actions of successive land managers. Sometimes this is intentional and on occasion it is by accident. It is by good fortune that the natural inclination of most land managers is to leave any findings and then seek guidance."