READ: Trees for Life

Trees for Life are recreating the Caledonian forest to encourage natural regeneration by putting up fences to exclude grazing animals, allowing seedlings and plants to grow, and by planting trees. At their Dundreggan tree nursery they grow young native species of trees which are then planted, often out in remote areas. Their work is about people as much as places and much of the conservation work is carried out by volunteers.

When the trees return, so does the wildlife!

The Caledonian Forest was destroyed over many hundreds of years as trees were cut for fuel and timber and much of the land converted for sheep farming. The wolves, bears, lynx and beavers which used to roam the forest were hunted to extinction. At its maximum extent, the forest covered 1.5 million hectares - now it is estimated to have a range of only 25,000 hectares.

There are only a few decades left in which to save many of the remnants of this once magnificent forest.

Natural regeneration of the forest has been hampered by the widespread introduction of sheep and the eradication of predators which led to a surge in deer numbers. In the past, Scotland’s largest mammal would have been the brown bear, along with other predators such as the wolf and the lynx. These predators kept the deer numbers in control and also created what is called a landscape of fear which kept the grazing animals moving so no single area was over grazed. Without these predators, deer and sheep feed repeatedly on the vulnerable young trees which eventually kills them.

The ancient trees are reaching the end of their lifespans, with no new ones growing to take their place.

With its ancient Scots pines and spectacular mountain scenery, the Caledonian Forest is Scotland’s most iconic landscape. Many species of rare wildlife flourish in the native forest; such as the capercaillie – the most striking bird in Scotland whose numbers have been in steep decline. The forest is also one of the last strongholds of the red squirrel in the UK. They feed on the seeds of the Scots pine and other native species and help the spread of new trees when they bury nuts. There are many rare flowers and insects to be found in the forest. There’s also evidence that forests can help to prevent flooding. In addition, growing trees produce oxygen and take carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere – which helps to mitigate carbon emissions and climate change.

The good news is that Trees for Life know how to save the Caledonian Forest and many people are helping them to do it!

Trees for Life uses a variety of techniques to restore and expand the forest and its wildlife - including collecting and germinating rare and often difficult to grow tree species, removing non-native species, erecting fences, planting trees, and re-introducing wildlife such as red squirrels. Much of the practical work of growing and planting trees is carried out by volunteers on Conservation Weeks and Conservation Days.

Planting a tree in the Highlands can sometimes be a challenge – working in remote areas on tough terrain!

Explore the Highlands in a new way! You can volunteer to spend a day in some of Scotland’s most spectacular landscapes and meet like-minded people with an interest in the outdoors. Trees for Life run Volunteer Conservation Days in a variety of locations. You could help to plant and monitor trees in Glen Affric, grow young trees at their Dundreggan Tree Nursery, remove non-native species, and much more! Project sites and activities vary for a range of interests and abilities. Volunteers must be 18+.

Will you take up the challenge? Become a ‘rewilder’ and help grow the forest of the future.

Your points code is: 608O87R4.