The forest appeared 10, 000 years ago at the end of the last ice age and contains a great diversity of plants and animals. It provides a habitat for mammals, insects, birds, plants and fungus and plays a role in the interaction of other ecosystems in Rothiemurchus, including rivers, riparian areas, bogs and the natural tree line.

Rothiemurchus Forest has been used throughout history to supply timber for local use and beyond and the forest we see today is the result of regeneration. Regeneration can occur successfully across the forest where there are big enough gaps in the tree canopy to allow light to reach the forest floor. This can often have positive effects on the structure and diversity of the forest.

Caledonian Pinewoods, including Rothiemurchus Forest, are of international conservation importance. The pinewoods are included in the EC Habitats Directive and are targeted as important ecosystems within the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. Rothiemurchus has its own local Woodland Biodiversity Action Plan to determine ways to increase the biodiversity within the forest.

As a result of the recognition of the importance of Rothiemurchus Forest, in September 2006, the Rothiemurchus Forest Plan was put into action. This long-term plan identifies both management objectives to protect our woodlands and maximise the benefits we receive from them.