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A summary of land cover change from 1947 - 1988

Considerable changes have taken place in Scotland's towns and countryside between the late 1940s and the late 1980s. Urban expansion, road development and afforestation were among the more striking. Changes in the structure of farmland or in the extent and condition of moorland may have been less obvious. Yet they have been no less relevant to the visual appearance of the countryside, to its wildlife and to the quality of experience for outdoor recreation and enjoyment.

Key Points

Between 1947 and 1988 the extent of:

  • Long established and semi-natural features reduced by 17%;
  • Built land increased by an estimated 36%;
  • Arable land increased by 11%;
  • Forestry plantations increased by 613%;
  • Rough grassland decreased by 10%;
  • Heather moorland decreased by 23%.

The summary trend note is available to download  PDF document

or you can download the complete list  of land cover change trend notes.