Common Alder Alnus Glutinosa

40 C O N E S C O N E S 41 Scots Pine Pinus sylvestris Common Alder Alnus glutinosa his native alder grows in wet places, partic- Seed Guide: Alder cones can be collected from Tularly wet clays, on marshes and by lakes the lower branches of trees before they open. he Scots pine is the only and fens. It is able to survive in these sites, Place cones in a paper bag and allow to air-dry Tnative pine in Britain, most which generally lack the nitrates needed for at room temperature. As the cones open they widespread in Scotland, growth, as its roots have nodules which contain will release the small winged seeds which can where there are extensive nitrogen-fixing bacteria that extract nitrogen be sown immediately. Cover with a thin layer of stands of old trees, from the air. sharp sand, and leave over winter to germinate especially in the Spey The timber of alder was the following spring. Valley and Upper Dee highly valued as, Easily confused with: areas. It can also now be unlike many Birch, Hornbeam, Lime. found on heathlands in woods, it does the south of England, not rot quickly though this may be a later when exposed introduction. It grows on to continual a wide range of soils, but wetting and dry- prefers light and dry ing. In conse- sands and gravels. quence, sluice Scots pine produces gates and canal fit- strong, moderately tings like locks and gates hard wood that was were made from alder. Alder used for charcoal and wood was also made into char- telegraph poles, and is coal and used in the still used for doors, floors manufacture of gun- and furniture. powder. The tree has excellent wildlife The tree has a value, with 172 invertebrate species, high conserva- including the pine hawkmoth, feeding on tion value as it. In Scottish pinewoods, it provides nesting The paired needles are usually the seeds pro- sites for ospreys and Scottish crossbills, and the twisted.The cones ripen over vide good three years from green to brown, cones provide food for red squirrels which, in turn, are eaten by when the seeds are shed. winter food the rare pine marten. for red- poll, Seed Guide: Scots pine cones can be collected from the lower siskins and branches of trees when they have turned from green to brown other seed eaters. (Oct–Jan). Keep the cones in a paper bag or on a dish, at room There are also up temperature, to air-dry them. This causes them to open and release to 141 invertebrate The rounded leaves often have their seeds, which can be sown immediately. Cover with a thin species which feed a notch at the tip and have seven pairs of distinctive white Medium tree (8:15:20) layer of sharp sand and leave over winter to germinate the on alder trees. veins underneath.The female fruit following spring. Large tree (8:12:35) is a green cone which turns black after the seed is shed. JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC Year 1 Collect Year 1 Collect Sow Sow Year 2 Grow Plant Year 2 Grow Plant Year 3 Year 3.

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