THE total amount of hectares damaged by Storm Arwen in Scotland is now believed to be double that of initial estimates. 

Around 8,000 ha of the country's woodlands are said to have been affected when the 100 mph winds tore through the nation in late November last year - up from earlier predictions of 4,000 ha. 

The new figure equates to around 16 million trees. 

Forest Research say the revised estimates are derived from improvements in computer modelling, updated mapping and through citizen science, where woodland owners have provided on the ground data.

READ MORE: Storm Arwen: Mairi McAllan warns Scotland's forests will take 'centuries' to recover

Andy Leitch, deputy chief executive of forestry and wood trade body Confor, said: “Confor would like to thank everyone who has engaged with the Citizen Science app which has helped Forest Research to update its assessment of the level of windblow associated with Storm Arwen. 

“The industry continues to focus on ensuring the wood brought down by the windblow is recovered safely and timeously.

Forestry Journal: Trees across the country were windblown by Storm Arwen Trees across the country were windblown by Storm Arwen (Image: Stock image)

"If there are still landowners looking for advice on how to deal with their windblow, they can find a list of companies that can help on the Confor website."

As we told previously, felling permission has been sought on around 7,252 hectares of Scottish woodlands as part of efforts to clear up the devastation of the storm. 

READ MORE: Storm Arwen: End date for fast-tracking of felling permissions linked to storms

Scottish Forestry chiefs confirmed the figure earlier this month, saying 70 per cent of all applications have already been approved. Most have taken an average of 16 days to pass through the system - it normally takes six weeks. 

A mapping tool showing woodland damage is available here.