Initiative Launched to Restore Endangered Native Tree Species in Cairngorms National Park
Cairngorms National Park, Scotland – In an effort to save one of Scotland’s most important yet endangered native tree species, Trees for Life and the Cairngorms National Park Authority have joined forces to launch a new initiative. The partnership, along with the Cairngorms Aspen Group, aims to map, expand, and connect aspen trees – an essential but now rare feature of the Caledonian forest.
Aspen trees provide a habitat for a wide range of rare fungi, lichens, mosses, and moths. However, despite once being common, they have now largely disappeared from Scotland’s landscapes. Experts believe that deforestation has taken a significant toll on aspen trees, making it the most affected native tree species in Scotland.
The new Cairngorms Aspen Network brings together experts, enthusiasts, and land managers to take action in identifying and restoring aspen-rich habitats. This will not only boost wildlife and threatened species, but also raise awareness about the importance of aspen trees.
According to the Network, a healthy and functional aspen network will help build resilience against climate change and biodiversity loss. “The new aspen network will offer much-needed hope for tackling the nature and climate emergencies by developing a restored, better-connected, and healthier aspen network. By working together, we can improve the future of our aspen woodlands and the life they bring with them,” said Niamh Byrne, Aspen Project Officer at rewilding charity Trees for Life.
Aspen trees have been particularly affected by deforestation and overgrazing, mainly because they rarely flower or produce seeds in Scotland for reasons that are still unclear. This means that once they disappear from an area, it is unlikely for them to return on their own. In the Highlands, aspen trees are now mostly found on rocky slopes or cliffs, out of the reach of grazing animals. These isolated and fragmented stands, sometimes consisting of only a few old trees growing off the same root system, cannot provide a suitable habitat for the many species that depend on them.
The fragmentation of native woodlands also reduces the chances of aspen trees reproducing. New growth from suckers is often grazed before it can flourish. The shimmering foliage of aspen trees in summer and their stunning golden yellow leaves in autumn make them extremely important for many reasons. They are also able to grow at elevations of up to 550 metres.
Aspen trees grow fast and die young, making them efficient carbon lockers. Their high rate of leaf fall and production of deadwood enriches soils, creating optimum conditions for other plants and trees. Over 60 insect species feed on aspen foliage in Scotland. The young shoots of aspen trees are a source of food for the caterpillars of the rare dark-bordered beauty moth, while the endangered aspen hoverfly prefers aspen deadwood. The tree is also highly valued by beavers.
“Aspen is a priority species in Cairngorms National Park and a hugely important resource for rare and threatened wildlife. It also makes a significant contribution towards healthy and resilient nature networks in the National Park,” said Sarah Henshall, Head of Conservation for the Cairngorms National Park Authority.
The first stage of the project, led by Trees for Life, involves mapping the location, condition, and health of existing aspen trees in the Cairngorms National Park, along with key plants and animals that depend on them. This mapping will help identify key sites and management priorities, including growing and planting plans to create a thriving new network of aspen trees. It will also serve as a blueprint for an effective approach to aspen conservation that can be implemented across Scotland.
As the project progresses, there will be opportunities for local volunteers to get involved, including gaining hands-on rewilding experience and receiving training for carrying out aspen surveys. Trees for Life has been working towards restoring aspen trees in the Highlands since 1991, including growing and planting thousands of young aspen trees annually.
In recent years, the organization has successfully encouraged aspen trees to produce seeds under controlled conditions at its Dundreggan rewilding estate in Glenmoriston, producing new generations of aspen trees to support woodland restoration projects across the Highlands.
The Cairngorms Aspen Network Project is funded by a grant from the Cairngorms National Park Authority. For more information, please visit treesforlife.org.uk/cairngorms-aspen-network.
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