Caledonia

Back to our Roots n early March, Adam and I led a group of 31 this year. As though to reflect this, the squall soon passed international students on the Findhorn Foundation’s and a beautiful rainbow appeared, directly above the old IEcovillage Training Programme on a two day trip to the pinewood remnant by the Liatrie Burn, on the north side . After an introductory walk to Coille of the glen. As I took in the beauty of the moment, I Ruigh in on the first day, we headed up into remembered that it was there, in the Liatrie Wood, that we Glen on the second morning, to plant Scots pines had carried out Trees for Life’s first practical work back in Carrying tubes to protect there in the northernmost part of the Glen Affric National 1989, when we protected Scots pine seedlings with plastic young pines at the Liatrie Nature Reserve. That area is known as the Liatrie Gap, tubes, prior to the area being fenced. Looking across the Wood in 1989. because it was left as open space when the Forestry glen now and seeing the healthy young pines flourishing Commission planted commercial there, I was struck by the Planting a Scots pine in plantations on either side of it in significance of going back to the Glen Cannich in early the 1970s. The plantations were roots of our project for the launch March. The Liatrie Wood subsequently felled, as part of the of our major planting commit- is visible in the distance, Commission’s programme to ment in 2007. behind the rainbow. restore the area to native forest, As we worked throughout but there was no evidence of any the morning, other squalls (and natural regeneration in the Liatrie rainbows) came and went, and I Gap, and I had suggested realised that we were going back planting trees there some years to our roots on another level too. previously. Now, I was delighted That is the primal contact with the to be able to help put the wild elements, which is lacking suggestion into practice. in so many of our modern day Just as we were getting out urban-based lives, that separate us of our minibuses at the site, an from the immediacy of Nature. intense squall blew down the No one complained about the glen, bringing fierce winds and weather that day, and in fact its black clouds. Almost immed- extreme variability made a iately, we were lashed by positive addition to everybody’s horizontally-blown hailstones experience. and bitter cold, and we had to turn By lunch time we had our backs to the west, in order to planted our target of 1,070 trees withstand the elemental barrage. for the day and everyone’s spirits Some of the students were from were soaring with the satisfaction These two young women, tropical countries such as Burma, Madagascar and Brazil, of what we had achieved. On the deepest level, that was not who work in a tree nursery and had never seen snow before, so they got a full on simply just the planting of those Scots pines, but rather it in Madagascar, were experience of the Highlands’wild weather! was a return to the roots of sustainable human living on the amongst those planting It was an auspicious day, though, as were going to plant planet – giving life back to the Earth that nourishes us. pines for us in March. the first of the 100,000 trees we’ve pledged to the United Nations Environment Programme’s Billion Tree Campaign Alan Watson Featherstone

In this Spring 2007 issue: An Appreciation of Rain . Deforestation . Earth Restoration Service Volunteers - A Forester’s Perspective . Eagle folklore . Wild boar species profile Spring forward! By Adam Powell

I have a sense that this is going to be a big year for Trees for Life: Dundreggan Estate, the planting goal of 100,000 trees, new staff, new projects. We seem to go along fairly steadily for a while but all the time, like a living being, growth is quietly happening and every now and then we realise we are bursting at the seams! New office premises are currently being discussed to accommodate this growth as the spring energy rushes in: swelling buds, early flowers and bright and chirpy birds on the wing. The Snowy Corrie Great news!! After frustration and delays, this more species-rich and much diminished latter. However, project, on the Forestry Commission for SNH have their job to do and this, of necessity, has to take ’s (FCS) Glen Affric National Nature in the wider perspective of other projects of a similar Reserve, is now back on track. In the spring 2006 nature which might be taking place in the area and what the Caledonia Wild! I was enthusing that fencing materials cumulative effect may be on changing habitats. There for this job were being flown in and shortly thereafter the were also some concerns that a small patch of herb-rich fence was being erected ... only to be called to a halt half grassland could be lost by being outcompeted by way round the new exclosure. The reason for putting the recovering vegetation if browsing animals were excluded. brakes on was that the site lies within the In February this year I made a site visit with Globeflower is one of Complex Special Area of Conservation (SAC), a representatives from FCS and SNH and after much the plants growing at European designation intended to protect areas where discussion and to-ing and fro-ing across the site we came the Snowy Corrie site. there are priority habitats. Because of this, Scottish up with a plan that suited everyone. By excluding the herb- Natural Heritage (SNH) were obliged to check out the rich grassland, the overall area of the site was reduced by situation and their permission was required as the about 25%, thus minimising the impact on wet heath proposed new woodland that would develop would mean habitat and satisfying two of the major concerns. the loss of some wet heath: the aforementioned priority Pleased to have reached habitat. It is somewhat ironic that another priority habitat a successful conclusion to is Caledonian pine forest! our deliberations, we When you compare the extent of heath to forest you trudged down the hill and would imagine that we could afford to sacrifice a little of scrambled over the section the vast extent of the former for the sake of a gain in the far of fence already installed and were met by some Helicopter delivering curious signs. A deer the fencing materials carcass had been flushed to the Snowy Corrie down a spate water course and had then apparently been site in February 2006. stripped of its flesh by something; it was not old enough to PHOTO BY ADAM POWELL. have just rotted away. Close by there were tell-tale scratchings in the grass and moss and it was not long before we spotted a hole excavated at the base of a boulder: we would need to install a badger gate in this new fence! It always amazes me that this enterprising creature can survive in such harsh and seemingly impoverished conditions. I think of it as a woodland animal but I have seen setts 13 kilometres (8 miles) further west in Glen Affric at a similar elevation of about 300 metres (1,000 feet) and its diet in these situations includes scavenging carrion, hunting for earthworms, beetles, frogs and even frog spawn. Given that you, our supporters, generously gave a total of over £5,000 in response to our appeal for this project in May 2004, I must thank you once again not only for helping to cover project costs but for your patience in bearing with us through this lengthy birthing process. I hope to include photographs of the finished fence in the next edition of Caledonia Wild!

2 Caledonia Wild! • Spring 2007 As with the Snowy Corrie site, this too lies within the Downy birch tree SAC and is subject to the same conditions regarding change beside a waterfall of habitat so here too a site inspection by a SNH on the Benula site in representative will be necessary. A detailed vegetation Glen Cannich, in survey of the site confirmed that it is indeed classified as wet December 2006. heath, despite there being a predominance of grasses. The nearby trees, although relatively few in number, the occurrence of rowan and willow on the site and the presence of extensive Caledonian pine woodland on the south shore of the loch may be sufficient to indicate that a natural progression would lead to re-establishment of woodland if browsing were in balance. This would bode well for getting permission to go ahead with our proposal to fence off about 10 hectares (25 acres) and plant several thousand trees. A site visit had been arranged in January but will have to be rescheduled as heavy rains caused quite widespread flooding in the Highlands at that time and the waters of Loch Mullardoch had risen so high as to destroy the road to the boat launch and overflow the dam. Attadale I mentioned in the summer 2006 issue of Caledonia Wild! the prospect of TFL undertaking a new native woodland project on the Attadale Estate which rises from the shores of Loch Carron on the west coast. These plans, which met with the enthusiastic support of the landowner and the estate’s woodland manager, are still on Benula hold, awaiting the activation of a new Over the hill to the north of the Snowy Corrie Project, lies Forestry Commission grant scheme. the long parallel valley of Glen Cannich. Rich in woodland Meanwhile, we have some young aspen along the river at the east end of the glen, it becomes more trees of appropriate origin which we will and more bleak as you head west. There is a huge, plant in one of the estate’s existing new forbidding, grey concrete dam (part of the same hydro- woodland exclosures this autumn. Next year electric scheme as the Loch Beinn a’ Mheadhoin dam in we will plant more, in addition to doing some Glen Affric) holding back the waters of Loch Mullardoch supplementary planting of mixed native species to boost Adam with native which were raised by 50 metres when the dam was installed. natural regeneration in another of their schemes. I look woodland and Beneath its dark waters are the ruins of two houses, and forward to seeing the new project taking shape, facilitating waterfall on the footpaths marked on some maps come to an abrupt end at expansion of the beautiful and diverse woodland tucked Attadale Estate. the water’s edge. into the gorge of the Allt a’Ghuibhais, the pine stream. The previous owner of the East Benula Estate, on the north side of the glen, sold the property some seven or eight Mountain Woodland years ago but retained an 84 hectare (210 acre) corner and In 1995 we discovered dwarf birch (Betula nana) on the still lives in his house prudently sited above the dam. Last Wester Guisachan Estate overlooking Glen Affric. This year he contacted us to montane scrub species is one of a number of woody plants Heavily-grazed young ask if we would be able that should form a vegetation zone between the tree line and rowan on the Benula to help him to establish the montane heath vegetation community of the highest site. This tree will a small native ground. Since that date we have developed our Mountain be free to grow woodland project on Woodland Project and surveyed almost 14,000 hectares successfully once the his property and I paid (35,000 acres) of high ground searching for this plant, and its area is protected. him a visit, accessing companions, dwarf juniper and dwarf willows. We have also PHOTO BY ADAM POWELL. the site by boat as there instigated partnership projects with three landowners to is no track to walk in. protect a total of 30 hectares (75 acres) of ground for the There are about thirty recovery of montane scrub and have continued to champion trees along the burn the cause by being an active member of the Montane Scrub forming the eastern Action Group. This group has just received confirmation of boundary of the site, a significant grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund for an birch, rowan, willow ambitious project, managed by Birchwoods, and pine, and a good involving a suite of upland restoration and demonstration scatter of thrawn specimens, including a holly or two, on sites across Scotland. steep, rocky ground to the west. During the course of Most of our survey and monitoring work has been surveying the proposed project site I also came across undertaken by the intrepid Anne Matthews who, rowan and eared willow browsed back by the hungry deer unfortunately, has been suffering from a long term illness and by a small band of very shaggy looking feral goats we which has prevented her from making further progress for spotted ascending the hill side. the last couple of years. I have worked up a plan of action to

Caledonia Wild! • Spring 2007 3 take this project forward but we need someone with the double slipped disc in my back has become gradually more appropriate skills to undertake the survey work and, vulnerable and I have recently been diagnosed with osteo- ideally, an assistant or two to help. arthritis in my foot; no wonder, perhaps, that my priorities have been slowly shifting and quality of life, time to spend Change in the air with loved ones and a lighter work load have risen to the It is with very mixed feelings that I approach this section of top of the list. Change is always unsettling (in my youth I my newsletter article. As observant readers may have may have said exciting!) and a certain sense of insecurity noted, my job has been advertised as I plan to move accompanies my feelings of relief at the opportunity to sideways within TFL, relinquishing the responsibilities of step into the less demanding role of taking on a specific Adam with Field Projects Manager which have grown considerably project. 1 regenerating eared over the 14 /2 years that I have worked in this post. There is a sense of pride that during my time ‘in willow in the Coire Looking back to those early years, I spent half of my office’I have overseen the protection of about 600 hectares Ghaidheil exclosure on time out in the field: doing survey work, checking fences, (1,500 acres) of ground for woodland restoration and seen West Affric in 1996. scoping out new projects, organising work, tools the planting of over half a million trees. Many of the and equipment for the projects that make up these figures have involved my volunteers. Then, TFL was a personal blood, sweat and tears (sometimes literally!) to cosy little organisation and I bring them to fruition. The locations where this work has was responsible for no other taken place have touched my heart and given me staff, only 10-12 Work inspiration and it has been a privilege to have been able to Weeks were scheduled per share this with so many people whose hearts have also year and all seemed been touched. I would like to put out my thanks to all those comfortably within my people that I have worked with directly, and everyone grasp. Now, we have a who has supported us, for helping to bring these programme of almost 40 achievements about. Work Weeks, there are five The job advertisement met with an enthusiastic of us in the ‘field work response with 27 applicants from which we finally chose department’and we are about the person whose skills and experience most closely to take possession of a 4,000 matched our requirements. Mick Drury and his partner hectare (10,000 acre) estate! will be moving up from Sheffield and we look forward to Meanwhile, I inch closer welcoming him when he takes up his new responsibilities to being 60 years old, the at the beginning of June. Nursery News By Jill Hodge

his spring we are busy to create one larger digging up all the trees standing area. Tgrown in the nursery beds With great thanks last year, such as alder, willow to all the volunteers and Scots pine, ready for our who stayed here at Work Week volunteers to plant Plodda last autumn, out in Glen Affric or Glen each group taking Moriston. We will also be sowing the project one stage and planting many of the further, as you can see seeds which were collected and in the photographs, we cleaned by volunteers last were able to place all autumn, such as hazel nuts, alder, our existing stocks of rowan, bird cherry and sloe trees on the completed Volunteers preparing seeds. Other seeds such as dog rose, holly and juniper are new area for the drainage for the new being 'stratified' to break their dormancy and will not be winter. I am delighted standing area. ready for sowing until spring 2008. with the new standing A big difference for the nursery this spring is our new area and the next standing area for trees in pots and trays. We had been steadily project this spring is to put in place an irrigation system with Young trees lined out on running out of space within our old area of cold-frames, so over- head sprinklers to water this area during hot weather. the newly-completed now that the nursery is protected all the way round with This should help to reduce the time taken up with hand- standing area. fencing to prevent hares coming in and eating trees watering in the summer, and will enable the nursery PHOTOS BY JILL HODGE. during winter, we decided to remove these cold-frames, to run much more efficiently.

4 Caledonia Wild! • Spring 2007 Return of the Wolf By Dan Puplett

Wolves made the headlines recently, after scientists published a paper looking at the potential effects of wolf reintroduction in Scotland. Their aim was to carry out an unbiased study to investigate some of the ecological, social and economic effects, if these top predators were ever returned to the Highlands, following their absence of over 250 years.

Using sophisticated population models, they and is not really profitable in the Highlands, so is likely predicted the likely effects of wolves on the red deer to decline in the future (they suggest this is why many population. Deer numbers are currently unnaturally farmers aren’t more strongly opposed to the idea). Also, high, and are causing widespread ecological damage. subsidies are now independent of the number of sheep They concluded that over a period of around 60 years on a farm, which would help matters. the presence of wolves could reduce deer populations to Sheep depredation in other countries has under- a level that would allow regeneration of natural forest. standably proved to be very emotive. Compensation The effect on the deer population would be greater schemes and education have proved to be successful than that witnessed in some other countries, and this is solutions in many cases. Another emotive issue is possibly because Scottish red deer tend to produce a wolves’ tendency to attack domestic dogs. The authors single calf only once every two years, which is a suggest this could be partly addressed by an education relatively low reproductive rate. and information programme for dog owners. Other effects would be a reduction in numbers of Wolves range over long distances in search of smaller predators such as foxes, which would reduce new territory and mates. Therefore, with limited space, predator control costs on grouse moors. It is suggested population control would probably be required. This that wolf predation could also reduce the incidence of raises ethical issues, and would not be accepted Lyme’s disease, which is transmitted by deer ticks. universally. The researchers investigated the attitudes of rural It seems there would be many benefits resulting and urban populations towards wolf reintroduction. from reintroduction of wolves, and that it would be Both samples were generally positive. On a scale of -18 essential for the long-term regeneration of healthy to +18, the average score was +6 for the urban sample ecosystems. However, immediate release would not be and +2 for the rural sample. Asample of farmers scored a good idea, least of all for wolves, which may be -4, although the body that represents them scored -16. persecuted if they are not welcome. Further research, Economically, they found that wolves would be education, public consultation and careful planning likely to bring in wealth to the rural economy. Since are all essential, for this idea to be embraced on a landowners are obliged to control deer numbers, they wider scale. would be spared the expense of culling hinds. It was This study sheds some important scientific light on calculated that a deer estate could make £800 from reintroductions, and helps bring the debate up to date. 10 square km in a year if wolves were present, If you’re interested in looking at the full study, it can be compared to £550 at present. They didn’t look closely downloaded at: at the ecotourism potential, but judging from the www.carnivoreconservation.org/files/issues/wolf_ reintroduction in Yellowstone National Park in the US, scotland_reintroduction.pdf the presence of wolves could be a real economic boost. The authors recognise that since wolves sometimes Source: Nilsen, E.B., Milner-Gulland, E.J., Schofield, prey on livestock, there would be a conflict with sheep L., Mysterud, A., Stenseth, N.C., Coulson, T. (2006). farming, especially as sheep on Scottish hills are free Wolf reintroduction to Scotland: public attitudes and ranging rather than in protected flocks. However, they consequences for red deer management. Proceedings also point out that sheep farming is heavily subsidised of the Royal Society B.

Caledonia Wild! • Spring 2007 5 All enthusiastic and ready to go! – a group of volunteers at the beginning of a day’s work in the Glen Affric National Nature Reserve.

Working with Volunteers The Forester’s Perspective

By Kenneth Knott Kenneth Knott is the District Forester for Planning and Environment at Forestry Commission Scotland’s Fort August District (which encompasses Glen Affric and Glen Moriston etc.). Here, he writes about his experience of Trees for Life and our volunteer groups.

y first awareness of Trees for Life came many planting, felling of non-native trees and fencing removal. years ago through the Findhorn Foundation and a More work is now done to remove non-natives and carrying Mwoodland restoration project on Mull, where the out additional surveys, to identify key species and areas of project manager was sporting a Trees for Life diary. It looked regeneration. Planting remains firmly on the agenda, like a book and had some nice pictures, and I was impressed although where the focus will be, along with which species with the artwork. My awareness of Trees for Life has are being planted, is changing. The areas of work have also changed dramatically since then, and my encounters with moved, with more work being carried out in the periphery of the Trees for Life Diary now revolve around planning and the TFL Target Area, but within the District core areas, such agreeing Work Weeks and co-ordinating projects that we are as Glen Moriston, Strome and Balmacara native woodlands. Kenneth Knott. jointly involved in. Over the last few years the emphasis has changed from the PHOTO BY Joining Forestry Commission Scotland’s Fort Augustus District’s point of view, with individuals appointed to meet and ASHLEY WOODHOUSE. District team in 1999, I became aware of TFL when talking greet each week’s volunteers, ensuring some basic under- to one of my colleagues. He was arranging the logistics of standing of what the District is trying to achieve with their help. transporting ‘people’ to a remote area on Skye in order to It also enables some basic safety information to be passed spend a week volunteering! ‘What was all this about?’, along, to allow for a more enjoyable, incident-free week. I thought. “Don’t worry it is only the TFL volunteers” was Everyone has their own reasons for joining a Work Week the answer. and I can only feel admiration for those that do, for their Those days of ‘roughing it in tents’are passed, although commitment and enthusiasm. At FCS, we seek to enhance the occasional wilderness experience, either under the stars, that experience, yet ensure that we cover our obligations from bush or canvas will retain its romanticism for some. a safety and welfare point of view. We try to do this as Accommodation arrangements have varied in style from discreetly as possible prior to the Work Weeks, so there is a lot tents to studios with a variety in between. Several years ago, going on behind the scenes with the District and TFL. the District agreed to assist with improving the One of the biggest surprises when dealing with the accommodation provision, allowing those on the Work Work Weeks is the variety of people who take part in them. Weeks to have a better experience. The District also gained Most people involved in Forestry have come across larger through more work being carried out! The old saying “no than life characters, but normally they are few and far such thing as a free lunch” comes to mind. between. The general enthusiasm of the people on the Work The regulations governing the work place keep Weeks tends to leave at least one memorable moment per everyone on their toes at the best of times, but the added week with our staff. nature of volunteers of mixed abilities and remote areas has The relationship between TFL and the District required those involved to be more aware of everything they continues to develop. As long we are all working towards a do. Since the early (and some would say more relaxed) days, common goal then there remains a long and productive we have moved to a more professional footing in our relationship for the future. Perhaps writing in 2017 I will be relationship, and how we do business with each other. able to say a further 10,000 volunteers have enjoyed their The work carried out during the Work Weeks is also experience with the trees. That is one story I look forward to changing. The early work consisted primarily of tree writing – thank you for your support for the future!

6 Caledonia Wild! • Spring 2007 Frontline By Pirouel Dickson

The mild winter is almost over, with the days stretching out and the call of birds all around. I find myself pleasantly surprised to have the Spring Work Week season on our doorstep again. Most of my winter was spent in the office, attending to the administrative side of running the Work Weeks but I did manage to get out to the glens for some outdoor work.

One mission was replacing the well-worn stile into the Coille Ruigh na Cuileige exclosure in Glen Affric with a new gate, supplied by Forestry Commission Scotland. I was helped on this wintery day by Dan Puplett and Gordon McRuvie, who is a very skilled and dedicated volunteer. Despite getting to the site early, we had to complete the job in torchlight, making the finishing touches a little tricky, never mind the walk down off the hill! It was satisfying to be spending my working day outdoors, in the fresh, clean air of the glen in good company and doing something that will benefit people entering the exclosure in the future. Replacing the stile was necessary and made it clear to me that all the little jobs that we spend time on go together like jigsaw pieces, to create a healthy and vibrant forest, which will provide habitats for a variety of plants, insects and wildlife as well as a place for humans to explore freely. The day reminded me of time I’ve spent on Work Gordon McRuvie Weeks and how much our groups manage to achieve in (standing) and Dan such a short space of time. Seeing the enthusiastic and Puplett installing the much needed involvement of Gordon emphasised to me new gate at the Coille what a powerful resource our volunteer base is. Trees for Ruigh exclosure in Life and our partner landowners, Forestry Commission Glen Affric. Scotland and the RSPB, are benefiting not only from the PHOTO BY time and effort of all our volunteers but also from the PIROUEL DICKSON. growing network of people they connect with. They spread our nursery at Plodda Lodge, helping to produce the the message that contributing to the reality of a viable seedlings for tomorrow’s forest, as well as countless Caledonian Forest is a positive, life-enhancing experience. volunteer hours in our office, helping with the daily work Whilst out working with the RSPB’s Corrimony requirements of our administration and field office staff. Nature Reserve manager Dan Tomes recently, I learned All in all the volunteers continue to be the driving force for that he had calculated that Trees for Life had contributed Trees for Life. over 2,000 volunteer days in the last 10 years on their This year we will see 39 Work Weeks taking place, the reserve. This figure is equivalent to one full-time member most we have ever had in one year, with between 300-400 of staff on the reserve for the whole ten years, which shows volunteers contributing another 1,500-2,000 volunteer how much our volunteers contribute to the restoration days to various projects within our Target Area for forest project, something that Dan and the RSPB are very restoration. appreciative of. It is a good job all these volunteers will be visiting the I calculated that in the last ten years Trees for Life glens as we have 100,000 trees to plant as part of the have also provided Forestry Commission Scotland with Billion Tree Campaign, in addition to a variety of other well over 6,500 volunteer days in places like Glen Affric, work! I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of the Grudie Oakwood, Glen Moriston, Achnashellach and staff at Trees for Life to thank all past, present and future more recently Skye, carrying out a huge variety of volunteers for all their time, energy, enthusiasm and conservation work. commitment. I look forward to meeting some of you We have also had hundreds of volunteer days spent at during this year’s Work Weeks!

Caledonia Wild! • Spring 2007 7 HUMAN IMPACTS ON THE CALEDONIAN FOREST DEFORESTATION By Dan Puplett

Climatic changes centuries. During the Middle Ages, the Vikings are said to Forests respond to natural changes in climate, and around have burned areas of forest as part of their campaigns. Pine stumps such as However, as pine woodland can regenerate well in response these in Glen Affric are a 4,500 years ago, a period of cold, wet weather began, common sight in many encouraging the spread of peat bogs. Pollen studies suggest to fire, this would only have caused lasting damage in Scottish glens, wherever that in some areas, especially the north and west, this was wetter areas, where regeneration was slower, and in areas the underlying peat is not so favourable for tree growth. The treeline became subject to heavy grazing by livestock. It was pastoral exposed. In some cases lower, and in the wettest areas pine retreated and was activity - fire and teeth - that was the most consistently The effects of the stumps have been overgrazing are dated to 4,000 years old, replaced by scattered broadleaves - the area of bog also destructive human activity. Overgrazing would also have illustrated by this and indicate the former increased. It is not clear to what extent humans were amplified the effects of periods of climatic deterioration, scene at the Allt Coire extent of the forest. involved at this point, although after this climatic such as the 'Little Ice Age', which began in the fourteenth Ghaidheil exclosure on fluctuation, some suggest that woodland would century. There are reports of areas of forest being burned West Affric. Inside the have regained old specifically for the purpose of eradicating wolves. fence, on the left, ground as the cold, By the 18th century, woodland cover reached its all naturally-regenerating wet period ended. time low. While many pinewood remnants continued to be rowans are growing Overall there was exploited, the fragments were sometimes protected from and heather is flourishing. On the still a vast network overgrazing to ensure a supply of timber. These remaining right, outside the of woodland at fragments became really vulnerable when competition fence, the grazing this point, mixed from Scandinavia and the Baltic states undermined the pressure limits the with heath, bog timber market. There was then little incentive to protect vegetation mainly to and scrub. them from overgrazing, and with the rise of deer numbers grasses. for sporting estates, their deterioration continued. eforestation is a global problem. We are rightly primeval wilderness that spread across about 1.5 million The arrival of farming The rise in sheep farming, the increased numbers concerned about the current destruction of forests hectares of the Highlands. No one knows for sure what this Early farmers arrived in these areas about 3,900 years ago of deer for sporting estates, and the in other parts of the world, but it isn't always wilderness was like, and it is the subject of considerable (although humans were present much earlier, and their practice of muirburn on grouse moors in D impact is unknown). These farmers had grazing animals - so apparent that humans have been clearing Scottish debate and speculation, but pollen records and comparisons recent centuries have all pushed the The aurochs used to woodlands for millennia. In Scotland only a tiny fraction of with wild forests in other countries can help us paint cattle, goats and primitive sheep. In areas they burned the forest into further decline. Around the thrive in our forests, but our original native forest cover remains. The history of this a picture. heath and resinous pinewoods to encourage fresh growth of 18th Century cheap timber imports is now extinct. deforestation in the Highlands is long, complex and Woodlands heather for their stock. The combination of burning and meant that there was little incentive shrouded in mystery, but we can still gain glimpses of what covered a large area of grazing forced woodland into further retreat as well as to protect pinewood fragments from has been lost. the land and the forest preventing it recolonising bare areas. It is impossible to overgrazing. Standing dead pines, was rich and diverse. It know for sure the exact effect these farmers had, but their or snags, such as this The ice retreats is likely that the the activities profoundly altered the ecosystem. It is likely that The rise of forestry one beyond the Coille 14,000 years ago, if we were to visit Glen Affric, or many structure of the forest was they would have been attracted to the more open wood- Both of the World Wars took a heavy toll Ruigh na Cuileige other glens in the Highlands, we would find a wild, open very varied, and included a lands for grazing their animals, accelerating the cycle of on the remains of our native forests. fence in Glen Affric, overgrazing and deforestation. Following the First World War it was indicate more recent treeless tundra, a desert of glacier-scoured rock with mosaic of denser woodland, open 'savannahs' and different forest loss. glaciers still remaining in the corries. By 12,000 years ago kinds of scrub, as well as open heaths and bogs, which were Through the centuries, trees were felled for timber, fuel recognised that Britain had almost run the warming climate forced the glaciers an important part of the whole matrix. Among the many and to make way for agriculture. What is more, grazing of out of timber. The Forestry Commission to retreat further still. Hardy shrubs such tree species were Scots pine, aspen, birch, oak, rowan, domestic livestock severely limited the scope for was established in 1919 to prevent the as dwarf birch, willows and juniper holly, willow and alder. There would have been a wide regeneration. The forest was forced into smaller, same situation happening again, and its began to get a foothold, as well as hazel, range of woodland types: pine woods, alder swamps, elm fragmented pockets. Even in the wetter areas, it is likely key purpose was to help Britain become aspen, birch, pine and other tree species. and ash woods, birchwoods and others which may have that humans exacerbated the effects of climate. For self reliant in timber. All the while, plants, fungi, mammals been completely lost. Each would have had unique example, removing even scattered trees affects the Fast-growing introduced species and many other organisms colonised communities of specialist wildlife. Open ground added to hydrology of the land. Trees draw up a huge amount of such as sitka spruce were used to from further south. At this point Britain the diversity, and water from the ground, so their loss would have increased create dense plantations which tend to was still attached to the rest of Europe; woodland would waterlogging, making the land less suitable for tree growth. support a very limited range of wildlife so much water was still locked up in ice, shift and change Similarly, removing trees takes away important seed compared to ancient, native forests. the English Channel hadn't yet formed. with no fixed sources and removes the source of leaf litter which itself Areas of native woodland were both felled and Underplanting of boundaries. plays a key role in converting peat to soils more favourable underplanted, and so shaded out by the introduced trees. native woods, such as By catching fish in Wildlife for tree growth. At the time conservation wasn't high up the political at this site in Glen Scotland's ancient forest Affric, was one of the streams and eating them The peak for Scotland's woodlands was about 5,000 years flourished. Lynx By the time the Romans arrived, over half of our native agenda, and many native woodlands were damaged or on land, bears main causes of forest redistribute nutrients ago, when tree cover and diversity was at its greatest prowled the denser forests had been lost. Some historical accounts suggest that lost as a result. loss in the from aquatic to extent. The 'Caledonian Forest' is a poetic name, from a forest, packs of the forest was a huge unbroken blanket of woodland at the Priorities have since changed and the Forestry 20th century. (All the terrestrial ecosystems. Latin word meaning 'wooded heights'. We know that it was wolves hunted deer, giant wild cattle (known as aurochs) time, although this is a myth, as it had in fact already been Commission has carried out a great deal of excellent work non-native trees here This flow of nutrients have since been not a dense blanket of pine woodland as was once thought, grazed open glades, while boar rooted through the leaf hugely depleted, and was never really a solid 'blanket' in to reverse the situation, and is protecting and restoring was broken with the removed, by Trees for extirpation of bears although native pinewoods were an important component litter. Bears scooped salmon from the rivers, and elk grazed the first place. native woodlands on a large scale, as well as increasing the Life volunteers and about 1,000 years ago. of this forest. Here we use the term to refer to the vast, in the willow meadows created by the dams of beavers. Various kinds of exploitation continued down the diversity within plantations. forestry contractors).

8 Caledonia Wild! • Spring 2007 Caledonia Wild! • Spring 2007 9 The ecological effects of deforestation Such large-scale, long-term ecological destruction has totally transformed the Scottish Highlands, and now only around 1% of our native pinewoods remain, while many At this site on West other habitats have been degraded or lost. All of our Affric the loss of tree woodlands have been influenced by humans in some way cover has been followed and the ecological effects have been complex and varied; by compaction of the some of the key ones are outlined below: vegetation and soil by When a habitat is fragmented, as is now the case, the sheep and deer hooves, species within the isolated patches become more vulnerable and then erosion, in the to inbreeding and disturbance such as fire and disease. absence of tree roots to Connectivity is essential for the robustness of an ecosystem. hold the soil in place. Large, wild forests are dynamic habitats which exhibit ecological processes such as succession, and are influenced resulted in a huge decrease of this crucial resource. by natural disturbances such as fire, storms and disease. Deforestation and overgrazing also result in the loss of These keep the overall ecosystem vary varied, with plenty of the shrub layer and changes to the ground flora. When the different habitats. Small, fragmented woodlands cannot structure becomes simplified, there are fewer niches for withstand disturbance in the same way, and the ecosystem wildlife. Where areas may formerly have had rich floral becomes less complex. communities, overgrazing and loss of the canopy can reduce Not only has woodland cover been lost, but overgrazing the vegetation to a handful of grasses and other species that in the remnants has also selected out the most palatable are much more peat-tolerant. This accelerates the formation species, especially aspen, holly, rowan and juniper, which in of peat and blanket bog, which are hostile to trees. While, as turn affects the specialist species that depend on them. noted above, bogs can form naturally due to climate, and are Native woodland remnants are therefore less diverse than a valuable part of the landscape mosaic, human interference they would otherwise be. has created an unnaturally high proportion of species-poor, Anumber of key wildlife species have been waterlogged ground, where woodland would otherwise lost, because of both habitat destruction and have thrived. direct persecution. This has had a catastrophic effect, since all the animals and other life A Forest for the Future forms that dwell in the forest play a crucial As we have seen, there is much that isn't known about the role in keeping this diverse ecosystem healthy forest's history, or the exact impact humans had at particular and robust. When key species are removed, times, although research is always giving rise to new the tapestry begins to unravel, affecting the insights and ideas. We do know, however, that humans have health of the whole system. drastically denuded and degraded the forest over millennia, The top predators - wolf, bear and lynx - and forest cover has fluctuated with climatic changes. While were all hunted to extinction by humans, as no one can say for certain what the forest would be like had were beaver, aurochs, elk and wild boar. humans never interfered, we can safely say that it would be These animals each had an important, unique much more extensive and connected, and would contain a influence on the forest, keeping it rich and much richer array of wildlife than it does at present. diverse. For example, predators keep So what is the future for the forest? Most forest herbivore numbers in check - a lack of natural remnants are still struggling to expand, or even survive, predators is a major reason why deer numbers largely because of overgrazing by excessive numbers of are now damagingly high. Herbivores' deer and sheep. Encouragingly, there is now a huge interest feeding habits in turn create a varied structure in restoring native woodlands in Scotland, with many in the forest, along with many other important individuals and organisations playing their part. We have effects. Numerous other, less obvious space to do this on a large scale while maintaining creatures have also been lost or had their important areas of open ground, which can themselves be numbers drastically reduced. valuable habitats. These stumps beside Deforestation has also caused changes in the structure There is a need for a wide range of forest uses, including the Affric River are of and fertility of the soil. Woodlands are more effective at the provision of timber and other forest products. To balance trees that have died in retaining nutrients than overgrazed grassland, and so the this, there is also the need for large wild areas free of recent decades, and loss of woodland cover can result in the soil becoming intensive human management - 'self-willed land', to use a show that deforestation impoverished. Trees also intercept rainfall, and send term coined by ecologist Aldo Leopold. is still ongoing in the moisture back into the atmosphere via a process known as Trees for Life's vision is to restore a large area of wild Highlands. transpiration. With loss of tree cover, waterlogging and diverse forest, which would include a wide range of erosion can both occur. In upland areas, when nutrients are habitats, to over 900 square miles in the Highlands. The leached from the soil a dense layer called an iron pan can aim is not to recreate a forest of the past. Even if we knew form in the soil, again increasing waterlogging and making what past forests were really like, forests are ever- the ground inhospitable to trees. changing ecosystems. The goal is to restore the key Centuries of farming that involves rearing then elements in the forest to allow evolution and natural removing animals from the land, means that high processes a freer reign. There is no doubt that the presence concentrations of nutrients have been lost when the meat of wild forests nourish the human spirit, as well as being was sold elsewhere (eg in towns and cities). essential to the health of the Earth. Dead wood, standing and fallen, is a vital part of a healthy forest, supporting a wide range of organisms. Forest Sources for this article are available on our website. Thanks clearance, and intensive management of forests, has to Bill Ritchie & Diana Gilbert for their comments on the text.

10 Caledonia Wild! • Spring 2007 Dundreggan News By Alan Watson Featherstone t’s just about a year now since we signed the legally- solicitors, we are pressing as much as we binding agreement for the purchase of the Dundreggan can for the acquisition to be settled IEstate, and, almost unbelievably, we have still not promptly, and we will of course provide taken ownership of the property! There have been a series an update as soon as we have a date for the of ongoing and seemingly interminable delays with purchase to be completed. In the getting the relevant documents approved that affirm the meantime I’d like to ask all our supporters authority of the late Italian owner’s executors to sell the to join us in holding the vision that it will estate, with up to six different sets of solicitors involved take place in the near future. Thank you! altogether. This has become a real test of patience for us, as Although we’ve had to put some the legal processes unfold at their own pace, and we’ve had plans on hold, we have moved ahead to adjust our plans to take account of the delays. where we can, and in January we submitted an application to the Heritage Lottery Fund for a Project Planning Grant for Dundreggan. If successful, this will provide us with the funds to employ a Project Planning Officer for a year, to draft a detailed plan for the long-term management of the Estate for forest restoration. As part of the planning process, we will carry out ABOVE detailed surveys to identify the biological diversity on The orange birch bolete Dundreggan at present, and we now have specialists lined (Leccinum versipelle) up to cover key groups of organisms this year. These is one of the fungi already include fungi, lichens, bryophytes (ie mosses and recorded on Dundreggan. liverworts), wood ants, beetles and aquatic invertebrates, A survey planned for this and will complement the survey of Lepidoptera (moths autumn will substantially and butterflies) carried out by David Barbour last year. We increase the fungal will also carry out a detailed vegetation survey of the diversity recorded estate, to identify the plant and vegetation communities on the Estate. there, and to map out key species such as dwarf birch (Betula nana). Taken together, these surveys will provide LEFT us with a good snapshot of what lives on Dundreggan just Scots pines beside a now, and will help to guide and shape the action we plan cascading burn on for the restoration of both native forest and other Dundreggan. vegetation communities on the Estate.

LEFT However, nothing has changed with our purchase Cascades on a burn on agreement in any way, and we will complete the Dundreggan. Just as acquisition in due course, even if we don’t know the exact water patiently wears date yet! I’m very grateful for the patience of everyone away rocks, so we’re who has donated to our purchase appeal, and especially to having to exercise those who’ve made substantial contributions, as you have patience while solicitors yet to see the fruits of your generosity. Through our own deal with the delays in completing our purchase of Dundreggan!

FAR LEFT This lichen (Ophioparma ventosa) is one of the few to have been identified on Dundreggan so far.

Caledonia Wild! • Spring 2007 11 Mythology and Folklore of the Eagle By Dan Puplett Few birds have come to symbolise majesty and splendour like the eagle. The Highlands are the haunt of both the , and the white-tailed, or sea eagle, which was re-introduced to Scotland’s west coast last century.

In Celtic mythology, the eagle is traditionally seen as Chronicle, in an account of the Battle of Brunanburh: “...the one of the oldest of all creatures, surpassed only by the grey-coated eagle, white-tailed, to have his will of the salmon in wisdom and age. The Eagle of Gernabwy features corpses”. Along with ravens and wolves, it would have in the Welsh Mabinogion. In the tale of Culhwch and Olwen, taken advantage of the carnage of battle. one of Culhwch’s tasks, in order to win the hand of his Eagles make a dramatic appearance as powerful beloved, is to find the missing and rather magical allies in Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings. At one point child called Mabon. He asks a number of Gandalf is rescued from the top of Saruman’s animals for guidance, and eventually gets a tower by one of these giant birds, and later very handy tip-off from this ancient and on the eagles help take on the Nazgul in wise bird. In fact this eagle is so battle, and even rescue Frodo and ancient that when he was young the Sam from Mount Doom when it rock he is perched on towered looks like all is lost. among the stars, but has since been It is interesting to note the weathered to the size of a fist! importance placed on eagle feathers Golden eagles did once occur in in various cultures. Highland clan Wales, and to hear the cries of these chiefs still wear three eagle feathers usually silent birds was thought to in their bonnets as a symbol of their foretell a significant event, such as the rank, while in Native American birth of a great hero. Alone eagle seen on culture, eagles and their feathers still a crag was seen as a sentry, warning of the hold great significance. They were arrival of an enemy, while a pair was a symbol traditionally included in head-dresses, used in of peace. various ceremonies, and were also awarded to The white-tailed eagle is a truly magnificent warriors for acts of bravery. Being such great soarers, it bird. It has the enchanting Gaelic name of Iolaire suile na is not surprising they represented a higher perspective on grein - ‘the eagle with the sunlit eye’ - and it does indeed life, and were believed to have a particularly close have very striking, pale eyes. In and parts of connection to the Creator. mainland Scotland, it is still known as the Erne from the An old Manx name for the eagle is Drein - the Druid’s Anglo-Saxon for ‘the soarer’. The remains of a number of bird, giving them status as king of the birds. However, a tale white-tailed eagles were found in a tomb in . Why from the Western Highlands tells a different story. All the were they placed there? We can only guess that they must birds of the air held a contest for sovereignty, deciding to have held some religious significance. Some ancient settle it by seeing who could fly the highest. Just when the peoples in Scotland would leave their dead in the open to be eagle, almost predictably, declared his triumph, the tiny scavenged by birds of prey such as eagles. wren popped out from its hiding place among the eagle’s Shetland fishermen would sometimes put eagle fat on feathers and flew that bit higher and won the contest. The their fishing hooks to help improve their catches. It was said Druids held only the wren in greater esteem than the eagle that when the Erne appeared, fish would rise to the surface for its shrewdness and cunning! in submission! Across Britain, eagle body parts were prized for a wide range of supposed curative properties. A list of sources for the Mythology and Folklore of the This eagle features in the poetic Anglo-Saxon Caledonian Forest series is available on our web site.

12 Caledonia Wild! • Spring 2007 An Update on the Earth Restoration Service

By Andreas Kornevall Cloud forest in Ecuador. The Earth Restoration Service (ERS) grew out of the Restore the Earth! Conference that Trees for Life co-organised at Findhorn in 2002. Here, Andreas Kornevall, the Director of Operations at ERS, gives an update on this inspiring project.

he vision to Restore the Earth is alive and well! • In Tibet, the programme is part of the effort to People are giving us so much support and backing, it replant Tibet’s virgin forests (which have suffered Tis very inspiring. When humanity has developed extensive degradation in recent years), working with every last piece of the world, there will be a time, such as local communities to both restore tree cover and now, when we have to turn around and start the age of nurture wildlife. restoration. We can no longer seek yet more land and more • In the Sahel, West Africa, through a programme called resources, as there’s so little left - we have to take care of NewTree, waste land is fenced by village populations in what we have. order to protect naturally-growing trees from domestic For example, where I live, the last endemic brown bear animals. After 5 years they are already seeing results and in the Pyrenees was shot dead by a hunter three years ago. a forest with high biodiversity is being developed. The loss was heartbreaking to those living here. These • In India we are partnering with Food for mountains will never again witness the Pyrenean bear, that Life, who are dedicated to the poorest of the walked upon their rugged windy slopes for millions of years. poor – we are sponsoring 400 trees and a If the moral case for protecting the wild cannot be won by greenhouse in their local school and for itself, then it is clear we also need to argue the economic case environmental education. - the bear’s value would be astronomical, worth millions alive to the community, not dead. The same applies to ERS is also running a School Tree Nursery ecosystems when they have an ecological integrity and programme that aims to bring together diversity. Because ecosystems are not quantified like environmental education and practical manufactured capital, they are largely ignored and their ecological restoration worldwide. Saplings are services, such as waste treatment, soil formation, water raised by children, and then planted by them in supply and food production, are taken for granted. environmentally-degraded sites in their local Therefore, ERS is currently researching the economic area. Schools have enrolled in Sussex, Devon, Wales, inner Andreas Kornevall vision for protecting and restoring our ecosystems. The city London, Ecuador and India. We are always looking for Earth is our real bank and it has limited natural capital - we more schools – if you know of anyone that could be have overspent and borrowed far beyond our means. The interested in this scheme, please e-mail aim of this research is to enhance human wellbeing and offer [email protected] a vision of an economy that benefits the biosphere by We are also organising a lunch event at the House of th creating job incentives through restoration programmes. As Lords on the 30 of November, to make the case for a an example, when we restore coral reefs, we also directly ‘future possible’, where we hope to gain support for a UN benefit the fish stock for the local community. Resolution declaring the next hundred years ‘the Century of Here are the following practical programmes ERS is Restoring the Earth’. With the US spending $30 billion on currently involved in: the war in Iraq every month, the money would be better spent • In Malawi, the programme aims to grow 4 million trees in restoring the Iraqi rivers and planting a fruit per year through community nurseries in order to both tree for every household! restore the environment and provide a sustainable source Well as Alan (Watson Featherstone) has said, “Restoring of wood for local people. the Earth is a dream”, and dreams give nourishment and will, • In Ecuador, the programme’s goal is for school children in the right time, metamorphose into reality. For more to plant tree seedlings appropriate for the local ecosystem information, please see our re-vamped web site at: in the wild, to benefit the local community and wildlife. www.earthrestorationservice.org

Caledonia Wild! • Spring 2007 13 Restoring the forest one tree at a time By Kerrigan Bell Let the planting commence! grows! Please see the special Groves leaflet included with this newsletter. Our planting season, with the goal of planting Do you feel inspired and know of a public place near 100,000 trees, has begun in earnest, and scores of you that will take our leaflets or posters? Please contact the people have already come to do their bit. We wish to office and we will send some out to you. thank all of you who have made donations to the 100,000 Trees Appeal in our last mailing. So far we have raised £21,080, which is great news for the forest. We still need New T-shirts Kerrigan is our new some additional funds for the Work Weeks, and would I am pleased to Marketing Manager, welcome any further support. Please contact our office or announce the arrival having stepped into the visit the web site if you can help, or if you’d like book for a of our new T-shirts. role temporarily when Work Week. They are made from Mandeigh Wells went on organic, fair-trade sick leave in January. I Love Pine cotton, and come in a choice of brown or Following Mandeigh’s It was in at the deep end for me in January, for as soon as I’d dark blue, in ladies decision not to return to joined the team we launched our first ever Valentine’s Day (S/M) and men’s work, we’re delighted campaign. This was a special initiative to promote the (M/L/XL) sizes, that Kerrigan has joined importance, beauty and life of the Scots pine, the keystone with a funky new our staff team full time. tree species in the Caledonian Forest. design on the front In the run up to Valentine’s Day, there were daily and our web address updates on our web site with interesting facts about Scots on the reverse. They pines and the species that depend on them, and quotes from cost £15 (plus £1.50 The brown and blue versions well-known people. We established a special P&P) for non- of our new T-shirts. Pine Image Gallery, full of evocative members; Trees for Life members receive a 10% discount. photographs of Scots pines, and ran a daily They are now available on all Work Weeks or contact the competition, in which we invited you to tell us office on 0845 458 3505. why you love pines. We gave away some lovely prizes: the daily winners received a beautiful watercolour print of a Scots pine in Glen Affric STAFF CORNER by Joan Fairhurst. The lucky overall winner, Staff Corner is a new feature, where we say a big thank Albert Peace from Yorkshire, won a gorgeous wooden you to the wonderful people that make Trees for Life a sculpture of a tree by Scottish artist Ron Parker. reality. We start with Helen Bennett, our Webmistress, Congratulations, Albert! Here is his winning quote: the often-unsung hero and absent member of the team. Helen lives with her partner, stepdaughter and cat in “Whilst a single Scots pine silhouetted against the Lancaster. Having been sky, is a glorious and uplifting sight. Walking in a on a few Work Weeks, forest of pine is a treat for all the senses. The soft Helen kindly needle carpet under foot, the unmistakable aroma, volunteered to help with the lichen covered bark. With its subdued sound the web site when the quality, it is like entering another world, a gentle, Dundreggan appeal was timeless world, evoking memories of a steadier pace launched in 2005. of life, a life more in tune with nature. Inspiring, Her role has grown calming, vital and yet restful, one emerges enormously since then, reluctantly but restored.” and she remains patient and supportive at all Groves: the ideal gift times. Helen says, A dedicated grove of trees is the perfect gift for all “Trees for Life is a occasions, from birthdays to weddings. It is a lasting fantastic project and I’m present both for the forest and for a loved one. We have very happy to be a part seen a significant rise in new grove requests lately and in of something that makes response to this, we have created an extra special grove such a real, positive certificate. With an initial donation of £50, eight trees difference. I do enjoy the will be planted on your behalf and we will send the creative bits of the work. recipient an exquisite personalised, frameable Some of the grove Helen Bennett. certificate. We will also create an individual page for requests are very moving, PHOTO BY GHULAM YAR. you on our web site, with your own words and and it’s satisfying to know photographs. Agrove is also a gift where lots of you can get that I’ve been able to provide a bit of support in bad times An example of our new involved - each page has a link where you and your family and in good ones.” So, thank you Helen for all the work Grove Certificates and friends can add trees to your grove so it grows and you do for us!

14 Caledonia Wild! • Spring 2007 New Life Members Scots pines and mist in Glen Affric. Trees Special thanks goes to the following people who have all help to regulate the joined Trees for Life – for life! balance of gases in Robin Crosher, Sarah Davies, Liz Serocold, Robert Leech, the atmosphere. Edwin Hutchens, Mark Comley, Tricia Ross, Joan and Murray Dickson, Simon Gershan, Laura Dunlop. Thank you for your commitment to Trees for Life. Be Carbon Conscious Thanks and appreciation More companies than ever are seeking to show their Thank you to all of you who gave us Gift Aid donations in green credentials and we have many people contacting us 2006, we received a whopping £14,231 from the Inland about how they can offset their carbon emissions. So we Revenue. take the time to explain to them our position; that while We wish to send our sincere thanks to the following tree planting is a very positive action, burning fossil fuels trusts, Foundations, organisations and individuals who puts a net increase of CO2 into the biosphere. have made substantial donations to Trees for Life since Being carbon conscious is the only way we can make November 2006: a real difference to the environment, and that means The Gannochy Trust, The Forestry reducing our emissions and supporting environmental Commission, Susan H. Guy Trust, projects. I am happy to say that all our new corporate The Hygeia Foundation, D’Oyly Carte supporters are aware of this and are making their own Charitable Trust, J. & J.R Wilson Trust, changes in addition to sponsoring our work. Manifold Trust, Garfield Weston For details of how you can join us in making a Foundation, Lindsay’s Trust, difference, please see our web site at: The Raphael Trust, Scottish National www.treesforlife.org.uk/tfl.global_warming.html Heritage, K.M Harbinson’s Charitable Trust, John Spedan Lewis Foundation, New Companies come on board the Bourne Group, Millichope Foundation, Paramo, Partnership for CG Hobson and Son are Rural Inverness & Nairn, the Erraid Recycling Bank operators who Community, Haggis Adventures, run recycling initiatives for Tay Charitable Trust, Joan Strutt schools in the Huddersfield Charitable Trust, Brilliant Media Ltd, area. They’ve started their own Bookseller Supplies, Cascade company grove and for every Designs, The Kolkata Caledonia 100 kilos of unwanted clothes, Club, The Natural Collection, Lend they are donating a tree to Trees Lease Europe Ltd, Environment Jobs, for Life. Carleton House Preparatory School, The Chartered Insurance Terence O’Rourke, The Sherwood Institute (CII) and Standard Press, Diageo Suisse, Olivier Life Bank are running Mythodrama, Sir Nicholas Nuttall, promotions encouraging their Tree Twist Ltd, Geoffrey and Leslie members to receive email Oelsner, Janet Stone, Pam Cairns, updates rather than by post. Duncan Ford, Helen Hancox, Timothy Trees for Life gets a donation for Kaye, Christian Waetjen and family, every email address received. David Honegger, Diana Hall. There are many ways companies can get involved in A young woman from our work, from sponsoring a Wish List Canada planting one project like the new irrigation Thank you to Dorota Owen for the Apple iMac computer; of the first of our system at our tree nursery, to Cascade Designs for the six Thermarest mattresses for the 100,000 trees this year, setting up a corporate grove or bothy; Deborah Bacon and Robert Dilts for the 2x Garmin during the Ecovillage running a promotion for customers in conjunction with GPS Units; Sandra Bacon for the printer for Dundreggan; Training trip to Glen Trees for Life. and Heidi Bacon for the specialist planting spades. Cannich in early Call me on 0845 458 3505 and let’s see how we can March. help each other. Here’s our revised Wish List: • A four wheel drive crew-cab pickup truck for Sponsored walks on September 30th: Dundreggan. Advance Notice • An Apple Mac-compatible colour printer for the It may seem like a long way off, so make a note of field staff in our office. Sunday 30th September in your diary. It’s our annual • An Apple iMac G5 (or newer) computer for our office. Sponsored Walk and we’re hoping this year is going to be • An Apple Mac-compatible flatbed scanner. bigger than ever with walks all over the country, taking • Two new desks for our soon-to-be extended office. place simultaneously. For this we need your help, so why • One 4-drawer & two 2-drawer filing cabinets for not consider being a local organiser for this event? our office. Is there a beautiful place that you love to walk in, with • Three kneeling chairs (for good posture!) for office staff. a route of around 10 miles? Fancy getting your family • Office shelving (wooden) – various sizes. and community out in nature while doing your bit to If you can supply us with any of these items, or contribute restore the Caledonian Forest? Contact me for an to their purchase, we’d be delighted to hear from you. information pack. Tel: 0845 458 3505

Caledonia Wild! • Spring 2007 15 Caledonian Forest Photo Gallery An Appreciation of Rain For many people, rain is automatically classed as ‘bad weather’, but the Caledonian Forest in the Glen Affric area thrives on the abundant precipitation it receives. Rain is the life bringer, both in a literal sense, and in terms of adding vibrancy and beauty to the simplest things in Nature.

Raindrops on the needles of a Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) in Glen Affric. Raindrops on the web of an orb web spider (Araneus sp.) in Glen Affric. Raindrops on the spore capsules of capillary thread-moss (Bryum capillare) in Glen Affric. Raindrops on a fallen aspen leaf (Populus tremula) in National Nature Reserve.

Raindrops on a fallen oak leaf (Quercus petraea), near Badger Falls in Glen Affric.

Ripple pattern from raindrops in a water pool in Glen Affric. Trees for Life,The Park,Findhorn Bay,Forres IV36 3TZ,Scotland. Tel.0845 458 3505 • Fax 0845 458 3506 • E-mail: [email protected] World Wide Web sites: www.treesforlife.org.uk and www.restore-earth.org Trees for Life is a Scottish Charity, number SCO21303. Designed and printed on recycled paper made from 75% post-consumer waste using vegetable oil-based inks by Posthouse Printing, Findhorn Tel: 01309 691 640 Illustrations by Caragh McAuley and photos by Alan Watson Featherstone unless otherwise indicated. 16 Caledonia Wild! • Spring 2007