Cale do nia
The magazine for members of Trees for Life
Our purchase of Dundreggan is complete, at last! ’m delighted to report that on August 1 st 2008, almost 27 However, throughout it months after we signed the legally-binding contract for the all I’ve maintained an purchase of Dundreggan, our acquisition of the 4,000 unshakeable confidence hectare (10,000 acre) estate was completed. This is a and faith in our ability to Iremarkable achievement for Trees for Life! In many ways it is achieve our goal of our single most significant accomplishment to date, and it is having responsibility due in large measure to the tremendous backing we have for our own large tract of received from our members, supporters and funding partners. land. That confidence My sincere and heartfelt thanks to everyone who has stems in large part from contributed to this huge step forward for us – it truly is a major both my connection breakthrough for our work to help restore the Caledonian with the land and the Forest! forest at Dundreggan, For me personally, the past 3 years, since I first became and also from knowing aware of the possibility of purchasing Dundreggan, have been how much support we an intensive experiential course in what it takes to follow a have for our work. dream or inspired vision through to reality. It’s led me right One of my back to the original source of inspiration for Trees for Life favourite quotes, from itself – the feeling of being called by the land and the trees an anonymous source, themselves to take positive action for their regeneration and states that ‘evolution is restoration – and then to acting on that with total commitment the history of the and a clear vision. Just as with the founding of our work for the impossible made possible’. Thus, millions of years ago, before Alan beside a huge Caledonian Forest over 20 years ago, that commitment and insects and then birds gained the power of flight, it was juniper on Dundreggan clarity of purpose has evoked a wonderful response, and has impossible for any organisms in the world to fly. Similarly, – dwarfed by the tree, enabled us to attract all the necessary resources such as funds, when I launched the Trees for Life project in 1986, I never but not by the expertise, information and volunteers, to achieve our goal. imagined that one day it would be possible for us to raise £1.65 opportunity that the There have of course been plenty of challenges along the million and purchase a large Highland Estate. It is the estate offers for forest way, and enough twists, turns and delays to provide the evolution and growth of our knowledge, skills and abilities restoration! makings of a soap opera, so that at times it has been a real that has enabled us to achieve this breakthrough now. emotional rollercoaster ride for me, and for all of us here. That process, of increasing our capacity to achieve what formerly seemed impossible, is, I believe, another important facet of what we seek to exemplify and demonstrate through our work at Trees for Life. At times it often seems that the changes needed in our world today to achieve a truly sustainable human culture, in harmony and balance with all other life on the planet, are impossibly out of reach. I hope that our experience with Dundreggan will help to prove otherwise – that by working together with a positive vision, total The call of scattered commitment and focussed action, we can take the apparently birches such as these for impossible evolutionary step required of human culture at this company will soon be time. answered, now that we have taken ownership of Alan Watson Featherstone Dundreggan. In this Summer 2008 issue: Aspen Project advances . Dundreggan News . Wolf folklore More Work Weeks in 2009! . Fence removal techniques . Pine looper moth species profile Restoring the Forest
Putting the Vision into Practice By Mick Drury
The volunteer Work Week group in Glen Glen Moriston Moriston in May. Mick is I was pulled out of the office for a gloriously sunny week Muic exclosure on the neighbouring Tomchrasky Estate. at the bottom right. in May to don the focaliser cloak for a Work Week based in I’d been up there a few weeks earlier collecting aspen roots PHOTO BY ROBIN BASSETT . Glen Moriston. The glen has its own unique character … and the weather, light and views are always different. well wooded in the east, including some good patches of Thanks to all who worked so hard on that last Friday of the oak, rugged snow-capped peaks to the west and the spring Work Week season to get all the trees in! beautiful River Moriston meandering through. The river is designated as a SpecialArea of Conservation (SAC) for its populations of freshwater pearl mussel and salmon.Above Montane Scrub Project the chalets at Invermoriston, where the Work Weeks are We’ve welcomed Mark Richards on a contract for 3 months based, the wooded cliffs rise steeply and, just below, the this summer to progress our field work on the montane river flows through some rocky rapids on its way to Loch scrub species, focusing on Dundreggan and some of the Ness. We were treated to the call of the woodcock each neighbouring estates. Mark is well placed to undertake this evening towards dusk. work, and is used to coping with weather and midge Our main work was on the Forestry Commission hazards, as he completed a PhD last year studying Scotland (FCS) estate at Inverwick on the south side of the competition between Scots pine and birch in Glen Affric. glen where a plantation is being restructured in favour of The Dundreggan vegetation survey last year, undertaken by native species, and areas of open ground are being botanists Ben andAlisonAveris, noted the special interest of left for black grouse. Some of us braved a dawn the estate for dwarf birch: start to visit one of the leks where the males “Betula nana ... is extraordinarily common and display; although they were not so active that widespread in the study area, finding a home in a wide range morning we were treated to a great sunrise and a of vegetation types from wet bogs to damp heaths and from range of other birds including goosander and soligenous mires to acid grasslands. We have never seen so crossbills. We’ve been working in this area for a much of this species in so small an area .… the area where it few years now, felling the regenerating Sitka occurs is of immense value for nature conservation”. spruce and lodgepole pine, erecting small fenced areas for aspen and removing redundant fencing on the nearby Portclair Hill (approx 15 km dismantled so far!). Last year we started with the replanting, putting in downy birch and a range of other broadleaves in the autumn and moving on to plant Scots pine this spring. The team planted 4,000 Volunteer planting a pines that week, in sometimes difficult ground conditions, Scots pine in Glen and we were concerned at the lack of rain; not to worry, Moriston during the Work though, there was a downpour on the day we departed and Week in May. PHOTO BY they were well watered in. We looked across the glen each MICK DRURY . day towards Dundreggan, and spent a day there clearing out a blocked deer gate on the burn and collecting pine cones. It was a good week … an amenable and interesting bunch of people, including Colin Hall my co-focaliser, good food, great location and a real opportunity to stay in touch with the sharp end of the operation. A couple of weeks later I was out again with the Work Week groups in Glen Moriston, lining out 2,500 trees, some, including aspen, from the nursery and others grown on for us by Inverness Trees, most of which had been in cold storage for 2 months. We dug them into new, temporary beds at Dundreggan and they will be planted out on the Estate next year. At one point there were 17 of us working on this … a good team! We also planted an Aspen saplings newly-planted in the temporary bed at additional 500 willow and alder up on the hill at theAllt na Dundreggan. PHOTO BY MICK DRURY .
2 Caledonia Wild! • Summer 2008 Grudie Oakwood A832 Inverness Garve Achnasheen BlackWater Dingwall Torrachilty Strathconon A890 h ellac n Scatwell & nash Orri Ach Glen Cabaan Beauly n o r r Inverness a Braulen C Aigas n 1 e arrar 3 l len Strathf 8 G G A Attadale
Strome annich Inverinate, Killilan Glen C &West Benula Drumnadrochit Kyle of Lochalsh Cannich ss A831 e Corrimony N Glen Urquhart ch o Carn Eige L Lo ric ch Aff Hilton 2 D orth ic 8 u N ffr A i c A ch ri len n ff G a A gg st Balnacarn e Kintail e dr Invermoriston W n Wester Guisachan u N D Ceannacroc Allt na Muic n 87Portclair oristo A8 A87 Glen M Inverwick Lo ch Cl Achlain uanie
Map of the Trees for Life Target Area, showing the location of the sites referred to in this article.
Mark is therefore undertaking more detailed surveys couple of days, looking at how some of the trees are doing of the dwarf birch population to record measurements of and where further work might be needed to beat up the height and spread, flowering and seed production. We want planting. Rosie and I made for the Allt Ruigh nan to set up baseline monitoring positions across the montane Ceannaichean exclosure, another 4 km beyond the hostel, zone on the Estate and identify specific areas for protection to do a tree count. This area has been left to regenerate and regeneration. He will also be looking at opportunities naturally and there are rowans springing up throughout, for creating woodland networks with links to the pine and birch woodlands lower down and on neighbouring land. Bearing this in mind, on our annual staff day out in June we visited Creag Fhiaclach in the Cairngorms, where the pines became gradually more stunted and twisted as we climbed up the mountain, which supports the best example of a natural treeline in Britain. The profile of montane scrub is being given a boost by the new Action for Mountain Woodland project, which has secured lottery funding for demonstration sites across Scotland (see www.mountainwoodlands.org ).Adam put a lot of work into this initiative in the planning stages and so I was pleased to attend the project launch where one of our directors, Diana Gilbert, was a speaker.
West Affric It’s been some years since we worked on the National Trust for Scotland’s West Affric Estate, where there are a total of 10 exclosures, dating from 1994-2000. Ranging from 10–52 hectares in area, some were planted and some were left to regenerate naturally. This spring we had two Work Weeks out there again, doing some additional planting where a winter landslide had taken out a section of fence and allowed the deer in temporarily to eat some of the young trees. The volunteers were based at the Scottish YHA’s most remote hostel, a 2 hour walk from the Athnamulloch bothy, a cosy base in the heart of a wild and The adder seen at Allt Coire fairly bleak landscape at that end of the glen. Ghaidheil in early July. In early July I was out with Alan and Rosie for a PHOTO BY MICK DRURY .
Caledonia Wild! • Summer 2008 3 Naturally-regenerating some now above our heads. Other trees are rare there, Tea-leaved willow with seeds in the Allt Coire Ghaidheil downy birches inside the because of a lack of seed sources, but include occasional exclosure on West Affric. Allt Ruigh nan downy birch and eared willow. There is a lone aspen, the Ceannaichean exclosure furthest to the west in the glen, now sending up suckers; We also took in some of the planted exclosures, and on West Affric. its nearest neighbour, as far as we know, is at Sputan Ban although slow in places, the trees are growing and will soon HOTO BY ICK RURY P M D . some 10 km to the east! be seeding themselves to begin the next generation. We Most dramatic is the difference in the vegetation hope to return over the coming years, as there is a lot of within the fence, where without the pressure from so potential for further restoration work out there. Altogether, many hungry mouths, the heather and blaeberry are it was a great trip out to the farthest reaches of the glen, growing well. A range of other plants now flourishes … where, in the decades ahead, patches of different aged including wood cranesbill and globeflower in the more woodland will again grace the bare slopes. shaded gorge, patches of meadowsweet with valerian and angelica in the damper areas, and lady’s mantle amongst the thyme and milkwort on the drier ground. We came Gratitude across primroses, now past flowering, bugle and great In addition to all the volunteers who come from far and wood-rush. It was a vibrant wide on our Work Weeks, my thanks again to those locals natural garden. In the early who help out so much, amongst them Kristy Puplett for evening, as we completed our aspen surveys and lots more, Sean Reed for assistance with survey, we watched a lone badger planting, Andrew Tree for ground flora surveys and, not foraging about 50 m. away just least, our quartermaster Chris Scatchard. This summer outside of the fence. The badgers we’ve been joined by Oliver Rakocevik as a at that end of the glen are often long-term volunteer with us for 3 months, and he’s helping seen by Steve, the warden at the out with everything from design to digging! Lastly, our hostel. thanks go to the Forestry Commission, Fort Augustus On our way back the next District, who’ve invited us to attend some interesting day, passing beside a marshy area training days recently. along the river, we disturbed a If you think you can help out in any way with our pair of greenshank, the male practical work, then do get in touch. circling around calling loudly. We climbed up to visit the Coire Ghaidheil exclosure that straddles a spectacular burn on the eastern edge of the NTS estate. Again, this has been left to regenerate naturally, with good numbers of birch, rowan and eared willow getting away in the more sheltered gorge. An adder lay coiled, basking in the hazy What a line up! TFL staff cloud, and although alert to our presence, it did not move and volunteers lining out away, merely raising its head slightly in our direction and eared willow saplings in flicking its tongue to scent our intentions. Our destination a temporary bed at was at the top of the exclosure, where we collected seed Dundreggan. from the tea-leaved willows ( Salix phyllicifolia ) growing Natural regeneration of birches, rowans and eared willow in PHOTO BY MICK DRURY . in the gorge. the Allt Coire Ghaidheil exclosure on West Affric.
4 Caledonia Wild! • Summer 2008 Frontline
By Pirouel Dickson ver the last few years our Work Week programme extra-curricular activity can be added. has been expanding rapidly, from 30 weeks in For example a Buddhist group, which has 2004 to over 50 planned for 2009. The Caledonian been coming for a number of years, uses Forest has benefited hugely from the hundreds of the early morning and evening time to Ovolunteers who attend Work Weeks and carry out valuable meditate and discuss Buddhism. Other conservation work at various sites owned by the FCS, groups have used the week as a way to RSPB and private landowners. Ambitious tree planting spend time together as an educational targets have been surpassed and momentum is being experience or even for celebrating an gained in other areas of conservation work too, like felling occasion. It would be especially suitable non-native trees and the removal of redundant fencing. as a corporate team-building exercise. Growth will be continuing this year and well into This is something we are keen to expand 2009, enabling us to achieve our latest 250,000 tree on, so if you are interested in getting a planting target pledged to the UNEP Billion Tree group of 10 friends and/or colleagues Campaign, as well as starting the restoration work on together please get in touch. Dundreggan. We will also be continuing and expanding As we are limited to working in the spring and This spring’s focaliser our work with other landowners. autumn by the cold winters and the midgey summers we training group, amongst All of this expansion requires increased have trialled having three weeks running together this regenerating pines at Coille Ruigh in Glen infrastructure, with the most important factor being the spring instead of two, in an attempt to increase the Work Affric. Back row, left to people on the ground – focalisers and volunteers. This year Week numbers. Although there were some logistical right, Kate Smith, Rosie we have already trained 10 experienced volunteers on our issues, we will be running three Work Weeks together on a Black, Anne-Marie weeklong focaliser programme. Welcome to the team! regular basis in 2009 which will allow us to run over 50 Culhane, Colin Hall, Increasing our volunteer numbers is crucial and we weeks in total. The programme for next year will be online Rupert Eris, Calum have been investigating new ways to advertise our weeks. in the next month so keep an eye out for it at: Wilkinson, Dan Puplett, Rosie Black, our Work Week Assistant, has now taken on www.treesforlife.org.uk/tfl.ww_booking.html Davy Whyte. In front: the advertising for our department and has been in touch This increase to three weeks running in tandem Brenna Powys, Sasha with various groups in an attempt to increase block means we will require a new minibus, as well as all the Angus and Gosling . bookings. This has become a popular option recently, for tools and equipment that are necessary to individuals and groups, as the Work Week structure run a Work Week. provides groups with a solid foundation to which Dundreggan will also feature in the 2009 programme with Work Weeks being based on site for the first time ever! The Lodge will need to be OCALISER ROFILE F P converted for group use before then but when we are up and running this will be Joan Fairhurst a new and exciting option for volunteers. First Work Week: An important factor that has Glen Affric, emerged from this expansion is the need Athnamulloch Bothy to preserve variety in the Work Week gone in to Favourite site: schedule. Much thought has the coming programmes to ensure the Athnamulloch Bothy experience for volunteers and focalisers is an enjoyable A volunteer Work Week Most enjoyable aspects of one. The work carried out on a Work Week will be varied, group in celebratory Work Weeks: “The initial real attraction safe and conservation led, not target led, which will mode in Spring 2008! was undoubtedly being in remove any pressure or stress for those on the frontline. magnificent mountains If you would like to join a Work Week, help us and being involved with a promote our work or even support the purchase of new project very close to my heart. Having been on many tools and equipment, please get in touch. weeks I think the most enjoyable aspect is meeting I would finally like to thank all the focalisers and such interesting people from so many different places volunteers who attended this spring for your hard work and being inspired by what can be achieved and and dedication. We managed to plant 70,000 trees as well created in just a few days.” as spending over 300 volunteer days on other projects like Rhododendron removal, fence dismantling, nursery work PHOTO BY PIROUEL DICKSON and seed collecting. Well done!
Caledonia Wild! • Summer 2008 5 Aspen Project Update
By Dan Puplett
he Aspen Project has been organisms, and ensure the aspen stands are robust enough to buzzing with activity this year, thrive in the presence of beavers. It is possible that beavers in preparation for our plans for may help aspen and its associated wildlife by creating a expansion. One icy day in January, diverse age structure and providing dead wood. Please visit TMick, Pirouel and I went to the our website, where a flyer about the conference can be Scatwell Estate with local volunteers downloaded, or call the office to find out more about this Chris and Shona Scatchard to erect event. some protective stock fences, which were later planted with aspen. The Scatwell site has the largest area of aspen north of the Great Glen, and we hope to expand it further still to provide habitat for the range of Mick Drury appreciating the species that need large, diversely structured stands of aspen. regeneration of young aspens Aspen-dependent species currently found at the site include a inside an exclosure on the cranefly ( Gnophomyia viridipennis ), the larvae of which tend Scatwell Estate. PHOTO BY DAN to occur on poplar species, but usually are found much further PUPLETT . south. This spring we collected around 200 root cuttings, including some from Strathconon, Glen Affric and Glen Moriston, in preparation for our large aspen planting schemes over the next few years. We have a three year plan in place for the Aspen Project, which includes creating three new large stands of aspen, doubling the production of aspen in our nursery, and increasing the extent of our survey and monitoring work. Leading up to the Dundreggan purchase, there has been Galls induced by a midge ( Lasioptera populnea ) on the a lot of work carried out in Glen Moriston, and at Dundreggan underside of an aspen leaf on Dundreggan. in particular. We have now identified a total of 18 stands of aspen on the Estate, and I suspect there are a few more to be Dan beside one of the aspens found! We had some very welcome assistance from Work In May,Alan and I went into GlenAffric with Edward Milner, planted in a stock-fenced Week volunteers in planting several hundred aspen saplings who has been kindly creating some web videos for us. One of exclosure on the north shore into holding beds at Dundreggan. These trees are being kept these focuses on our aspen project, and you can view the of Loch Beinn a' Mheadhoin on in preparation for a large riparian (riverside) planting that footage on our website at: in Glen Affric, in early May. is planned for the part of the Estate by the River Moriston, www.treesforlife.org.uk/about/200806aspen.mov We have also been increasing our records It was heartening to visit a particular pair of fences beside of different organisms associated with this tree. Loch Beinn a Mheadhoin, where some of the aspens planted We have found the aspen bracket fungus in 2002 have reached an impressive height. (Phellinus tremulae ) at Dundreggan and In June I checked out some fences and trees that were several other parts of our Target Area. Some planted beside the River Moriston by Work Week volunteers very interesting galls have also been recorded, in 2006. These are doing amazingly well, and the only aspens including one that appears as a distinctive lump I have seen sending up suckers (ramets) after two and a half on the leaf and is caused by a midge years! (Lasioptera populnea ). The Highland Aspen Group, of which TFL is a member, is organising a conference to take place this October. This follow-up to the first Aspen Seminar, which was held in 2001, will examine how things have moved on since then, and what the next steps in aspen conservation will be. The conference will look at many issues including the rich biodiversity associated with this tree as well as the latest ideas in aspen management. Trees for Life’s presentation will explore the relationship between aspen and beavers, which may return to our rivers in the not-too- distant future. Beavers are particularly fond of, though not dependent on, aspen. By increasing the overall amount of aspen, as we have been doing in a number of areas, we believe that we The larva of the midge, seen here after it left the gall, is can increase habitat for aspen-dependent bright orange and about 2 mm long.
6 Caledonia Wild! • Summer 2008 Wild, free and coming back? The return of key species to Scotland – what, where and how? A conference organised by the Wildland Network and Trees for Life 16-17th September 2008 Findhorn, Forres. BOOK NOW!!
he reintroduction of missing species is moving up Presentations: Bringing back the conservation agenda. Whether it’s lynx, beaver, mammals; The lore of Fauna wolf or moose, these proposals can be promising in Celtica; Bird reintroductions in terms of restoring both ecological health, and a sense of the British Isles; Tooth and Claw photographic exhibition Studies have shown that Twildness, but they can also be controversial and complex. and more . the Highlands could This exciting conference will explore the next steps with support up to 400 species reintroductions, and the ways in which they might Workshop sessions include: Perceptions of predators; Eurasian lynx. most effectively and sensitively be brought about. We’re livelihoods from reintroductions; community taking bookings now! involvement; effects on forestry and farming; planning for the return of lynx, wolf and others; the return of herbivores. Confirmed speakers: Roy Dennis, Kenny Taylor, Peter Cairns, Alan Watson Evening entertainment: includes Documentary Featherstone and others. screening: Return of the Prodigal Pig, by Wildwood Productions; Local storyteller: Margot Henderson.
Optional field trips: 18 th , 19 th and 20 th September: Alladale Wilderness Reserve, Glen Affric, Carrifran.
This event comes highly recommended for anyone interested in the future of Scotland’s wildlife and landscapes! For further information and bookings, please contact Kate Smith or myself at the Trees for Life Office, or visit our website, at: EFT www.treesforlife.org.uk/forest/missing/reintroductions_conf.html L : On the look-out for a future in our forests – a young wild boar at We hope to see you there! the Guisachan Wild Boar Dan Puplett Project site.
Beavers to return to Scotland at last! By Dan Puplett
e are delighted to report that the Scottish medicine. Trees for Life fully supports Government has issued a licence for a trial the return of this charismatic mammal, beaver reintroduction to take place in mid- which plays a crucial role in the health Argyll. Up to four families of beavers, each comprising no of wetland and riparian (riverside) Wmore than two adults and their young, will be brought over forest ecosystems. from Norway this autumn, and released in spring 2009. The Since our practical work began, five year trial will be run by Scottish Wildlife Trust (SWT) TFL have been carrying out a lot of and the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) on work to ensure there is beaver-friendly land managed by Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS). habitat in sites such as Glen Affric. The aims of the trial are to investigate the influence of While beavers are fairly adaptable in their feeding beavers on the ecosystem and their effects on other land requirements, by establishing large areas of riparian uses. It will also provide insights into how best to proceed woodland, including aspen and other species, we hope to with any wider reintroduction, as well as exploring the ensure that in the future, wild beaver populations will be educational and tourism potential afforded by a beaver able to take their rightful place as riparian woodland reintroduction. At the end of the trial, SWT could then managers. By felling selected trees near the water, beavers apply to the Scottish Government for a further licence for a can create structural diversity in the forest, providing wider reintroduction. habitat for numerous other living things. In some Beavers were hunted to extinction around 400 years circumstances beavers create dams, which again benefits a ago for their fur and castoreum, a secretion they use for vast range of wildlife, from dragonflies and fish to scent-marking, and which was utilised by people as a amphibians and otters, as well as improving water quality.
Caledonia Wild! • Summer 2008 7 DundBry Aelan gWatsgon FaeathnerstonNe ews
Thank you for such a tremendous communities on the Estate Flower bud of a foxglove • Protection of three key areas where dwarf birch is (Digitalis purpurea ) about to Mating bee beetles ( Trichius response to our appeal! abundant in the north of the Estate open in early summer on ) on the flower of a I was deeply touched and moved by the phenomenal fasciatus • Establishment of three fenced exclosures where Dundreggan. creeping thistle ( Cirsium response we received to the appeal sent with the last native trees will be planted arvense ) on Dundreggan. edition of Caledonia Wild! , for funds to make up the Conversion and restoration back to native forest of shortfall for the purchase of Dundreggan Lodge. • the existing commercial tree plantation on the Estate There was great excitement and much Provision of visitor access facilities, including a appreciation in our office every day in the weeks • small car park, interpretative display boards and following the appeal, as we opened letter after Nature trails in the ancient birch-juniper woodland letter to find cheques and credit card payments The Management Plan also forms a key part of our inside them. Hundreds of members and application to the HLF for significant funding over the 5 supporters sent in donations totalling over year period to implement the practical work detailed in it. £37,600, while larger contributions were made That application is currently being evaluated, and we by James Pirrie, Honor Mackenzie, Duncan expect to receive a decision from the HLF by the end of Ford, Geoff and Lisa Sharp, Anton Musset, the September. Please join us in holding the vision that we get William Record Charitable Trust and the approval then! Audrey and JJ Martindale Foundation. Our wski Richard Lyszko sincere thanks and gratitude to everyone who responded so le collecting beet generously to our appeal, and particularly to Simon Large oak tree, with its branches covered in lichens, on Dundreggan. The Rannoch a tree Gershon, whose support is crucial in enabling the Lodge to specimens from ey on be purchased at the same time as the rest of the Estate, and expects that this figure will increase substantially when he brindled beauty during his surv populations of dwarf birch occur, and where we’re Dundreggan. in giving us enough time to raise the balance of has finished cataloguing all the species from this year’s planning to implement protection measures to facilitate moth funds needed for it. survey. Many of the beetles are very small indeed and need their successful growth and natural development of the This success has enabled us to move forward to be observed under a microscope to determine their montane scrub vegetation community. Mark is surveying Jane Bowman is a Glen with our plans and we have recently submitted a identity to the level of species, so it is time-consuming and these areas in more detail, so that we can site fences in the Moriston resident and near planning application for a Change of Use for the meticulous work. optimum locations to benefit both the dwarf birch and the neighbour of Dundreggan Lodge, to enable us to use it as accommodation During my days out with Richard I’ve been impressed other species that occur there. As we go to press, Mark is who spends a lot of time for our Volunteer Work Week groups. We plan to both with his knowledge, and with his ability to spot still out in the hills, and in a recent message he said “ The walking on the Estate and The wingless female does convert the outbuilding at the back of the Lodge beetles, even of the smallest size, from a considerable work has been going well. I am finding some very good provides much invaluable not look like a moth at all! into an office, and we will also have to carry out distance away. It’s also fascinating to learn about the dwarf birch areas as well as more eared and creeping help in finding and identifying building work to meet the more stringent fire different groups of beetles, such as, for example, those that willow than I expected ”. insects there. Her interest began initially with moths, but regulations and disabled access requirements are associated with the blossoms of various trees, those has subsequently expanded to include beetles, hoverflies that are now applicable. The work itself will be which are found with the fruiting bodies of fungi during the Management Plan completed for the and other insects. Jane is also a good photographer, and this carried out this autumn, so that the building is autumn mushroom season, and the aquatic beetles that spring she was able to document an interesting moth on dwarf Richards with a ready for the programme of Dundreggan-based Work spend their lives in freshwater bodies, such as lochans and Estate Dundreggan – the Rannoch brindled beauty ( Lycia Mark an. nt on Dundregg Weeks that we’re planning for next spring onwards. After 9 months of work by Colin Blyth, whom we took on lapponaria ). This is a Nationally Notable species that is birch pla DS small streams. ARK RICHAR . PHOTO BY M In late June, during one of his survey visits to in the role of Project Planning Officer with funding from listed in the Red Data Book for the UK, and it is unusual Surveys and biodiversity discoveries Dundreggan, Richard made a significant discovery on the the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), the Management Plan because the female moth is wingless. The species is This year we have fewer biodiversity surveys Estate, not of a beetle, however, but of a rare horsefly – the for Dundreggan was completed in May and approved by restricted in Britain to the central Highlands of Scotland, taking place, because of less funding being golden horsefly ( Atylotus fulvus ). This species had only the Trees for Life Board of Directors. It is a substantial where it lives on damp moorlands and the caterpillars feed available, but the beetle survey that was begun last been seen once in Scotland since 1923 until Jane Bowman piece of work (our thanks to Colin for doing an excellent on plants such as bog myrtle ( Myrica gale ) and heather year by Richard Lyszkowski, an entomologist found it further west in Glen Moriston earlier in July this job!), and it outlines a vision for how we’d like to see the (Calluna vulgaris ). During the day, individuals are often The male Rannoch specialising in Coleoptera (as beetles are known in year, and Richard’s discovery of it on Dundreggan confirms Estate be in 50 years time. It includes long term aims for found resting on old fence posts, and that’s where Jane took brindled beauty is more scientific terms), has been continuing. I’ve been that there must be a healthy population in the glen. The the next 25 years and detailed prescriptions for the first 5 these images. conventional-looking. presence of this horsefly on the Estate, together with that of years of work. Key elements of the work planned for the out with Richard recently on several of his survey FAR LEFT : the rare mining bee ( Andrena marginata ) found by Jane last first 5 year period include: days, when he has been using techniques such as Here a pair are mating on a year, emphasises both the biological significance of Measures to achieve natural regeneration of the sweep nets to catch beetles on the ground • fence post. vegetation and pitfall traps set up near features of Dundreggan and the importance of carrying out these existing ancient woodland without the use of fencing particular interest in terms of beetles. These surveys to identify the biological diversity there. • The utilisation of wild boar in exclosures to reduce LEFT : include wood ant nests (over 20 species of beetles Meanwhile, as Mick reports on page 3 of this edition of the preponderance of bracken in the woodland Female laying her eggs on ica are associated with wood ants in Scotland) and the carcass of a Caledonia Wild! , Mark Richards is doing further survey The establishment of more riparian woodland, a fence post. Wood ants (Form • k red deer, which provides a food source for a myriad assortment work on the distribution of dwarf birch ( Betula nana ) on including aspen trees, in parts of the area beside the dragging a clic lugubris) of beetles, as well as numerous fly species. Dundreggan, as part of his 3 month contract for our River Moriston beetle (Athous o Richard’s work in 2007 resulted in the identification montane scrub project this summer. Our management plan A reduction in deer numbers to bring their population MOTH PHOTOS BY JANE BOWMAN oidalis) back t • haemorrh for the Estate highlights three areas where good more in balance with the recovery of the vegetation undreggan. of over 230 species of beetles on Dundreggan, and he their nest on D 8 Caledonia Wild! • Summer 2008 Caledonia Wild! • Summer 2008 9 Forest Restoration in Action Fence Removal By Dan Puplett
Introduction It can be a real challenge getting trees to grow in the Highlands. Loss of predators, winter-feeding of deer and milder winters have all contributed to a huge rise in deer numbers, leading to pressure on any young trees growing in a largely denuded landscape. This is easy to observe in many places where deer and sheep have been excluded for a few years: with a suitable seed source nearby and suitable ground conditions, trees will flourish. Of course it is not Tools of the trade – all of these have a role to play in the process only trees that suffer from overgrazing – many other of dismantling an old fence. PHOTO BY PIROUEL DICKSON . Fence removal in action plants, such as various wildflowers, mosses, heather and – a volunteer takes out shrubs can also be suppressed. essential for allowing woodland to recover. the staples that are Deer fences have long been a part of forestry practice However, fences don’t come without a price.A number holding the top net in in the UK. Deer numbers are so high that without fences it of birds, particularly the black grouse ( Tetrao tetrix ) and the place, while behind, would have been impossible for foresters to establish capercaillie ( Tetrao urogallus ), which are both kinds of another volunteer rolls timber crops. Many native woodland restoration schemes woodland grouse, have the habit of flying at a low level up the net. also rely very much on fences to keep hungry mouths away when startled, making quickly for the cover of the forest. PHOTO BY DAN PUPLETT . from the regenerating vegetation. Again, this is often Unfortunately, they often don’t see fences, and collide with them – with lethal consequences. Both the black grouse and the capercaillie are in serious trouble, as a combination of factors - including wet summers and loss of their habitat – are contributing to an alarming population decline in the UK. As well as the danger to these (and other) birds, fences can create unfavourable conditions, as the complete exclusion of grazing wouldn’t usually occur in a natural setting. It sometimes occurs that trees have difficulty regenerating when the sward becomes particularly dense due to undergrazing. There’s no doubt that fences play a crucial role in the recovery of native woodlands, and in some senses they can be seen as a ‘first aid’ response to overgrazing: essential in the short-term, but not a long-term cure. Furthermore, in an aesthetic sense fences can be quite intrusive in the landscape.
Addressing the problem So while fences are still clearly necessary, what can be done to deal with this conundrum? For a start, we can remove all redundant fences – and there are plenty of them! Many forestry plantations were established using a large external fence, with a number of internal fences to help control deer in different compartments. As many of these fences have now served their useful purpose, they can be removed, without posing any risk to the trees. Over the years, many of our hard-working volunteers have removed tens of kilometres of fence on our Work Weeks. For example, in the 1990s, we dismantled substantial amounts of redundant fencing on the south side of Loch Beinn a’ Mheadhoin in Glen Affric. At the time of writing we have almost finished dismantling the 20 km fence around Portclair Hill above Loch Ness. While removing the fence, we occasionally come across the lyre- shaped tail feathers of black grouse that had hit the fence. This, along with a small dent in the fence, is often the only sign of a bird strike, as scavengers usually remove the carcasses soon after they are killed. It is a poignant reminder of the danger fences can present.
10 Caledonia Wild! • Summer 2008 puncture wounds from rusty wire, while hardhats are essential when taking out posts. We also supply a range of tools, including fencing pliers (‘friends’), bolt cutters and hammers. Once the team are kitted up, and the safety briefing and work demonstrations have been given, the business of dismantling can begin. The order in which things are done is critical for efficiency and safety. The structure of a fence can vary, depending on how old it is. Modern deer fences are usually 1.8 metres (6 feet) high and consist of two widths of netting, one above the other. These are attached to wooden posts using U-shaped staples. There are also strands of high-tension strainer wire running along the top, middle and bottom of the fence. These are attached to the netting itself with lashing rods, which are short spirals of wire that have been nicknamed ‘twizzles’! Occasionally there is a piece of barbed wire running along the top of the fence. To begin with, this is removed to make it easier and safer Removing the top line wire is the first step in dismantling a for everyone else to work. fence. PHOTO BY DAN PUPLETT . Removing the twizzles (de- twizzling!) from the middle of the What follows is a glimpse into the work our fence is the next job, followed by the volunteers carry out and is not intended as a removal of staples from the top comprehensive guide to the dismantling of fences. If you section of fence. When a are planning to partake in fence removal, we recommend manageable length has been that you receive appropriate training, or work under the detached (up to 100 metres, Two different techniques of using the specialist guidance of a trained supervisor (eg on a TFL Work depending on the terrain), the fence fencing pliers to remove Week!). is cut with great care and rolled up. The bottom section can then be staples safely. PHOTOS BY DAN PUPLETT . The practical work of fence removal removed. It is a good idea to remove It is obviously important to be properly equipped for them in two stages, so that the top taking down a fence, as it can be a potentially hazardous section doesn’t collapse down, on task. Top on the list of personal protection equipment are top of the people taking staples out safety goggles. While every effort should be made to cut of the bottom section. and move wire safely, sharp pieces of springy wire can Taking down a fence is one of move at high speed and could cause devastating eye those tasks that makes most sense injuries. Tough leather gloves are needed to prevent when it is directly experienced. Within half an hour of starting everyone seems to find his or her niche. People often comment on how much of a team effort it is, taking down a fence. Every job is crucial, from more intricate tasks such as twizzle and staple removal, to more strenuous activities like pulling out fence posts, and rolling and moving the A bucketful of bits. For us netting. it’s important to be very In a day a group may take down over 500 metres of thorough in collecting fence – this represents a significant reduction in the and removing all the danger to the birds in the area. When we have dismantled staples, twizzles and a fence, we aim to remove as much of the material from the small bits of wire from the site as is practical. This is to ensure the area is left as safe site, so that the area is left in a natural, pristine and as natural-looking as possible. condition. PHOTO BY Staples and twizzles are put into a container, and the PIROUEL DICKSON . fence posts and rolls of netting and line wire are taken, The lashing rods or twizzles that hold the net to the line wire where possible, to the nearest road for later removal. If the need to be removed carefully. material is in good condition, we sometimes re-use some PHOTO BY DAN PUPLETT . of it to create small stock-fenced exclosures to protect
Caledonia Wild! • Summer 2008 11 riparian vegetation, aspen trees we’ve planted, or to create plots that allow grazing levels to be monitored. However, in many cases, the site may be so remote that removing hundreds of kilogrammes of material by hand is neither safe nor practical. In these cases the materials are left in neat piles on the hill. Every few years the Forestry Commission arrange for a helicopter, which may be in the area anyway doing other work, to pick up the materials and remove them from the forest. Alternatives to fencing What of the fences that remain? Obviously there is a strong case for having fencing in some areas Volunteers rolling bales to help woodland to regenerate. When fences are put up, Volunteers removing a line of posts after all the line wire and of dismantled fence net care needs to be taken to avoid key black grouse areas, and netting has been removed. PHOTO BY DAN PUPLETT . out of the Caledonian fences should ideally be positioned in such a way that they Forest on the south shore are more visible to the birds. Furthermore, fences can be grouse numbers along with native woodland cover, with of Loch Beinn a’Mheadhoin in Glen made more conspicuous with markers. Various types are help from TFL volunteers. All deer fences (ie the six foot Affric. used, including wooden ‘droppers’ (thin poles), or in some high variety) have been removed, or reduced in height to cases orange plastic netting, although obviously the latter that of a stock fence. When this is combined with an BELOW : A stock fence is less visually appealing. Both of these methods are very electric fence a short way beyond the stock fence, it helps made from dismantled effective at reducing bird strikes. to exclude deer, while the reduced height dramatically deer fencing by a As high deer numbers are a principle threat to forest reduces the threat to wildlife. Deer can still enter the volunteer Work Week regeneration, a key strategy is to reduce deer numbers by reserve from one side, but their numbers are kept low group for monitoring shooting.At Creag Meaghaidh in Inverness-shire, Scottish enough for regeneration to take place. vegetation growth in the Natural Heritage managed to achieve huge amounts of So while we continue to erect fences in carefully absence of grazing, on Forestry Commission regeneration largely through deer control, without any chosen locations, removing those that are no longer useful land in Glen Moriston. fencing at all. can be a very rewarding task. It is just one of the PHOTO BY RUPERT At their Corrimony Nature Reserve near Glen Affric, contributions our volunteers make towards re-wilding the HUTCHINSON . the RSPB have been very successful at increasing black Highlands.
12 Caledonia Wild! • Summer 2008 Mythology and Folklore of the Wolf By Dan Puplett
ew animals on Earth evoke such strong emotions as the reflect the strong maternal instinct attributed to wolves, and wolf, or have suffered so much as a result of wolves generally had a positive image in Roman culture. misunderstanding. In spite of its fierce reputation, it is In Scottish folklore there are a number of tales of the a shy, intelligent and elusive creature. Wolf folktales abound, Wolf and Fox. These tend to convey the Wolf as somewhat Fshrouded in mists of fear, admiration, awe and loathing. In more gullible than the cunning Fox. In one tale Fox tricks Wolf hunter-gatherer societies, the wolf was often afforded respect out of a whole keg of butter, and in another Fox’s trickery for its incredible senses and hunting prowess; but with the rise results in Wolf losing his tail! of agriculture, and the threat to livestock that wolves often Wolves were known to dig up dead human bodies and for presented, conflicts with humans grew. this reason corpses were often buried on islands, such as Its Gaelic names were Luh, Madadh Alluidh , and Handa off the north-west coast of Scotland. The church often sometimes Mac Tire, meaning ‘earth’s son’. In Scotland, and associated them with the devil, giving even stronger incentive indeed throughout Northern Europe and America, it was for their eradication. hunted ruthlessly, and eradicated from many areas. Werewolf legends were particularly prevalent in In Scotland, as early as the 2 nd Century BC, parts of Eastern Europe until very recently. King Dorvadilla decreed that anyone The Scottish equivalent is the legend of the who killed a wolf would be rewarded Wulver on Shetland. The Wulver was with an ox, and in the 15 th Century said to have the body of a man and the James the First of Scotland head of a wolf. He was usually seen ordered the eradication of sitting on a rock, fishing, and wolves in the kingdom. ‘Last would then leave a gift of fish on wolf’ legends are found in people’s windowsills – not your many parts of Scotland, average werewolf! although the very last was The wolf has enriched our allegedly killed in 1743, near culture through its presence in the River Findhorn by a countless stories, as well as stalker named MacQueen. non-fictional works of nature However, the historic writing. In A Sand County accuracy of this story is Almanac , 20 th Century dubious. American ecologist Aldo Leopold The wolf lives on in a number wrote an evocative account of an of Scottish place names, such as encounter with a wolf he shot: Mullinavaddie (‘Mill of the wolf’) in Perthshire, as well as Lochmaddy, “We reached the old wolf in time to watch a Ardmaddy and Craigmaddy. fierce green fire dying in her eyes. I realized then, The images conveyed in wolf folktales vary: in and have known ever since, that there was something new many they are depicted as ruthless and fierce; in others they to me in those eyes—something known only to her and to the have an image of nobility and loyalty. In Norse Mythology, mountain. I was young then, and full of trigger-itch; I thought the Fenrir was a symbol of chaos who eventually swallows that because fewer wolves meant more deer, that no wolves Odin whole. However, the wolf was also associated with would mean hunters’ paradise. But after seeing the green fire warriors, and Odin had two wolves as loyal companions. die, I sensed that neither the wolf nor the mountain agreed We are all familiar with tales such as Little Red Riding with such a view.” Hood and The Three Little Pigs . It is interesting that much European folklore portrays the wolf as a threat to humans. A list of sources for this article are available on our While there have been recorded attacks on humans, these website. have been so rare, and the statistical risk of attack so negligible, that it serves as a clear example of the power of the imagination to exaggerate a perceived threat. It is a fact that domestic dogs, horses and work-related stress are all far more dangerous than wolves! In contrast, there are a number of folktales with the theme of human children being raised by wolves. The Roman story of Romulus and Remus , and of course Mowgli in Kipling’s The Jungle Book, are classic examples . Such stories
Caledonia Wild! • Summer 2008 13 Funding the Forest
By Kerrigan Bell
New Trees for Life Volunteering Rebuilding Forests and Families Website online! Trees for Life gave a helping hand in reuniting two branches Back from one of our Work Weeks? Keep in touch and share from the same family tree recently , when Bob McLean, of your photos. Thinking of getting involved in environmental Sonoma, California discovered a dedication to his great great conservation? Talk to other volunteers. Want to talk about great grandfather on one of our Celebration Grove Pages. Bob practical woodland conservation, re-wilding the Scottish said, “ John McLean, born 1755 in Argyll, left Scotland in Highlands, or anything Trees for Life related? 1772 at the tender age of 17 for North Carolina. I ran across Committed supporter and focaliser Rob Pedley did an your website where someone dedicated a gift to him or amazing job of creating a site for Trees for Life supporters to someone in his exact circumstance”. We sent Bob’s email to Bluebell flower and ripening share their experiences, photos and recipes and a place that Karen Richmond, who set up seed head, West Affric Estate, prospective volunteers can visit to find out more about what the grove, and the two have July 2008 the Work Weeks involve. There’s even a map showing the made contact and are exploring accommodation and work sites as well as the location of their family’s history. It seems supporters who have joined this online community. that there is more than one John Visit: www.tflvolunteer.org McLean from that period, “As it stands, we think we are sixth cousins twice removed ” Bob Are you willing to receive your explains. “In any case, we are newsletter by email? all Clan McLean’s and proud of Reducing your impact on the environment can be achieved in our Scottish roots”. Karen a number of ways – a simple one is to sign up to TFL’s E- beautifully summed it up by Newsletter. Keep up to date with our work and save paper , saying, “Your organisation has trees and reduce publishing costs for TFL at the same time! just expanded from rebuilding Bob Mclean in Calfornia It’s simple – just email [email protected] or call 0845 458 forests to rebuilding families”. today 3505 to let us know.
New quarter of a million trees target announced We are very pleased to announce that we have pledged to plant 250,000 trees by the end of next year, as part of the expanded United Nations Environment Programme’s Billion Tree Campaign, which is now aiming for 7 billion trees to be planted worldwide by the end of 2009. We are in fact well under way towards this target with this Spring season’s planting contributing 70,063 to the total. And with the Autumn Work Week season getting into full swing over the next two months, we need your support to make our contribution towards this global effort a result. The UNEP Billion Tree In 2007, we surpassed our original commitment of Campaign logo 100,000 trees to the initial Billion Tree Campaign by planting 109,000 trees altogether, as part of our forest restoration work. It was by looking at one of our Celebration Grove pages like Alan Watson Featherstone , our Executive Director, this that Bob discovered his family connection. says, “With the world’s environmental problems continuing to grow, we’re raising our sights and the level of our response again with this new pledge. We invite and encourage more New 2009 Calendars and Diaries people to come and plant trees with us through our volunteer Our new Calendars and Diaries are ready to order now programme, to help us fulfil this new commitment”. through our distributors, The Natural Collection. To order, simply click on the link on our homepage or phone 0870 331 3333. We receive a royalty for every calendar and diary sold, Trees for Life needs You! so support our work and We are asking you, our eager supporters throughout the U .K, order some of these to come forward and let us know if you are willing to attend informative, beautiful and festivals and events with the Trees for Life stall. What we useful items today ! want to create is a network of dedicated volunteers that can take Trees for Life to the masses at relevant events like Wood Fairs and Green Gatherings etc… We will soon be purchasing new display stands that can be sent to you, as well as our leaflets and a selection of merchandise. The aim is to maximise our publicity, reaching out to both people who may not have heard about us, and existing supporters. Attending events and sharing your inspiration with others about our work is a tremendous contribution to the forest, sending ripples far and wide. So if you think you would like to be included in the project, then please give me a call on 0845 458 3505. Thank you.
14 Caledonia Wild! • Summer 2008 as committed to the environment and are as enthusiastic TAFF ORNER S C about our work as we are about theirs! We’re very grateful again to Standard Life, for their Pirouel Dickson joined ongoing support of the work we do. We received £10,000 Trees for Life after hearing recently when James Mitchell of Standard Life came and about us over 10 years ago while working in London handed over a giant cheque in relation to the as an Interior Designer. “I company’s ‘Go Paperless’ campaign, in was working on which it encourages its customer to receive redecorating a chain of information by email rather then letter. This pubs called Outside In and means that to date, they have supported us was responsible for with a whopping £160,000. By encouraging making the artificial trees. their customers to ‘Go Paperless’, Standard Someone mentioned TFL Life has not only made significant savings and the Work Weeks so I financially and environmentally, it has also went on one soon after.” given something back to the environment, He focalised Work with the forest now tens of thousands of trees Weeks for 6 years and then better off. became Work Week Co- ordinator in 2006. He says If you know of a company that is looking to team up with a hard working charity for real James Mitchell of Standard “It’s a lot more involved Life presenting a cheque for business and environmental benefits, please contact me on: than I ever thought – £10,000 to Alan Watson Pirouel Dickson there’s a lot of logistical 0845 458 3505. Featherstone, while other PHOTO BY KERRIGAN BELL aspects to running the staff members Anneke Klop, weeks, and it’s challenging Thank you ! Kerrigan Bell and Adam at times but also rewarding as I get the opportunity to get out We recognise and appreciate the following organisations and Powell look on. and meet the volunteers and hear the positive feedback they individuals who have made significant contributions to our give.” One of his goals for the future is to be around when work in the last four months: TFL’s millionth tree gets planted. Life is pretty full for Pirouel at work and at home – as he and his wife Ruth recently Charitable Trusts: Cheruby Trust, Spear Charitable Trust, welcomed baby Zoe to the world, joining Calum who is 2 Craignish Trust, Ryklow Charitable Trust, The Mackintosh years old. He also volunteers at children’s outdoor learning organisation Outfit Moray and loves to go mountain biking at Foundation, Four Winds Trust, John D. Scott Charitable night time (!). Thank you Pirouel, for your ‘behind the Trust, William Record Charitable Trust, Richard Fraser scenes’ efforts to make the Work Weeks happen and what’s Charitable Trust, Hartnett Conservation Trust, Joan Strutt more, continually improve. Charitable Trust, Findhorn Foundation.
Individuals : Gerald Bradley, Robert Deed, Mr. D.M. Fox, th Sponsored Walk - 5 October 2008 Honor Mackenzie, Andrew Barrs, G.M.B. Moser, Norman The date for this year’s Sponsored Walk is Sunday 5 th MacLeod, Charles Miller, Peter Cairns, Jodie Goulden, October. The walk is a beautiful 11-mile circuit around Loch Duncan Ford, Elmer Postle, Iain Watt, Anton Musset, Keith Affric, beginning from the last car park in Glen Affric. Knight, Sharon Rossi , Rob Pedley, Russell Miller, Norman Registration is from 11 am – 12 noon. We can collect Thomas. participants from Inverness Train Station at 10 am. There is also an Edinburgh walk in the Pentland Hills, contact the Companies office for more information. Olivier Mythodrama, Cambrian Printers, McIntosh Homes, We are also looking for willing volunteers who TreeTwists, Highland Experience Tours , Chartered Insurance want to hold a local Institute . walk of their own. It’s very easy to do, New Life Members so make your Thank you and welcome to the following individuals who footsteps count for have joined as Life Members recently: Lorraine Corfield, the Forest! For Jeremy Turner and J.R Mitchell. You can join as a Life more details, see Member by visiting: the sponsor form www.treesforlife.org.uk/tfl.joinm.html enclosed with this current edition of Wish List Participants in our 2007 Sponsored Caledonia Wild! , Thank you to James Pirrie, Louise Lamonby, Michael Walk in Glen Affric. Make your or contact the Allinson and Frances Knight for contributing to items on our footsteps count by joining us on 5th office at: 0845 458 previous Wish Llist . October for this year’s walk! 3505. We are now on the look out for funding for the following items: Company Supporters One Ford Transit 17 Seater Minibus , (£20,400) so we The company TreeTwist started supporting TFL in December • can efficiently run 3 Work Weeks at a time! 2006, and have has since supported the purchase and planting Nine Office Chairs (£99 each ), so all the staff can work of over 1,500 trees. The TreeTwists themselves are woollen • comfortably. scarves, bracelets and clips that are handmade on the Orkney New deer fence for the nursery extension at Plodda , Islands. There are many different styles in the range, including • (£880) – vital to keep the deer away from the saplings. TreeTies, WristTwists, TreeClips, and every person you see 2 satellite phones for Volunteer Work Weeks (£1,420). wearing one is responsible for a tree or seedling being planted . • New trailer for use at Plodda Lodge (£900). Sez Maxted of TreeTwist said: “We are extremely proud • Reference books for office and Volunteer Work Week to be working with Trees for Life. Our aim via TreeTwist is to • book boxes (£250) make tree planting fun by giving the customer a reminder of Outdoor clothing for field staff (£560) their tree, which can be worn and enjoyed every day. Through • our work with a terrific, supportive Trees for Life team, that If you can supply us with any of these items, or can contribute vision has become a reality.” towards their purchase, please contact the office. We’d love to An example of the TreeTwist We’re grateful to TreeTwist for their support , as they are hear from you! Tel: 0845 458 3505. products
Caledonia Wild! • Summer 2008 15 Caledonian Forest Photo Gallery The Beauty of Bark
The bark of the different tree species in the Caledonian Forest varies considerably in texture, colour and form. When viewed up close it provides a whole world of beautiful shapes and patterns, and also provides a habitat for lichens, mosses and insects to live on.
ABOVE : As a downy birch ( Betula pubescens ) gets older, the smooth whitish bark of the young tree gives ABOVE : The bark of Scots pine ( Pinus way to a more roughly-textured, sylvestris ) consists of lobed plates that fit grey bark. together like the pieces of a multi-layered jigsaw puzzle.
BELOW : The bark of aspen ( Populus tremula ) has diamond-shaped lenticels on RIGHT : Yellow lichen ( Chrysothrix it, and the tree is able to photosynthesise candelaris ) on the deeply-fissured through the chlorophyll that gives it this bark of an old silver birch (Betula green colour. pendula) on Dundreggan.
Unlike pine and birch, rowan trees ( Sorbus aucuparia ) Pattern of cracks in the bark of an old eared have smooth bark which are often covered, as here, by willow ( Salix aurita ) in Glen Affric. crustaceous lichens.
Trees for Life,The Park, Findhorn Bay, Forres IV36 3TZ , Scotland. Tel. 0845 458 3505 • Fax 0845 458 3506 • E-mail: [email protected] WorldWideWeb 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 Big Sky , Findhorn, www.bigskyprint.com Illustrations by Caragh McAuley and photos by Alan Watson Featherstone unless otherwise indicated. 16 Caledonia Wild! • Summer 2008