In order to provide the focus for co-ordinated action to reverse this trend and create a foundation for the long-term restoration of Scotland's semi-natural forest resource. The Caledonian Partnership was established in 1994.

The Caledonian Partnership is an innovative partnership of voluntary conservation organisations, many private supporters and government forestry, conservation and research agencies with wide experience of and responsibility for native woodland restoration and conservation.

Drawing on expertise from a wide range of organisations and individuals with an interest in the conservation of semi-natural forest it has identified three primary requirements for the development of a co-ordinated action plan for the conservation of the overall resource:

• A full understanding of its location, extent and character so that action can be prioritised and resources effectively targeted
• A better understanding of the ecosystem dynamics and the factors underlying the processes of degradation.
• Information on the most effective and efficient habitat restoration techniques.