CCaallee ddoo nniiaa

The magazine for members of Trees for Life

Putting down roots at Dundreggan or over 3 years now, ever since I first became aware walks regularly on the estate, identifying and of the opportunity to purchase Dundreggan, I’ve photographing insects, birds and other life there. Between been making regular visits to the estate, to them, Allan and Jane have an in-depth and comprehensive familiarise myself with the land and life there. In that time knowledge of Dundreggan and I continue to gain much FI’ve walked on many (but by no means all!) of the 10,000 from the time I spend with them. acres and have taken thousands of photographs to We had another opportunity to literally put down some document the landscape and its biological diversity. I’ve roots on Sunday 26th October, when we held a special lain flat on the ground to look closely at fungi and lichens, Welcome Event at Dundreggan for the major donors who I’ve climbed, and hugged, some of the trees, and I’ve swum made our purchase of the estate possible, followed by an in the Red Burn. For me, those are all ways of consciously Open Day for local people. The central focus of the day was connecting with the ‘Nature of Dundreggan’, of becoming a tree-planting ceremony, which took place amongst the rooted in an understanding of the environment and stumps of a few pines that were felled years ago on the ecosystems there. By doing so, I’m developing a personal hillside behind the buildings. The trees – an oak, an aspen, relationship with the special qualities of the place and the two hazel and two juniper – were planted by Muriel Gray life it supports, which can then inform, inspire and guide and Roy Dennis (two of our Patrons), Bruce Bacon our work there in the years and decades to come. (representing the Audrey & JJ Martindale Foundation, the My visits have also enabled me to get to know Allan largest single donor for the purchase), Kenneth Knott Common, who has lived and worked on Dundreggan for (chairman of the local community council),Allan Common Naturally-regenerating oak most of the past 20 years (and who became Trees for Life’s and myself. The planting was a simple but significant act, taking root at Dundreggan. A newest member of staff when we took over ownership of as it symbolised both our aim of restoring natural forest to number of seedlings like this the property). Similarly, I’ve spent quite a lot of time with suitable parts of Dundreggan and our desire to become have been protected with tree Jane Bowman, who lives nearby in Glen Moriston and well-established and integrated in the local community. guards this autumn, and will Just as those newly-planted trees will now be able to grow spend the next few years putting their roots successfully. down into the ground, before much upward growth takes place, so too are we in the phase of putting our roots down on the land itself and in the Glen Moriston community that we’re now part of. Next year we’ll begin practical work on a relatively small scale, Tree planters with a and we plan to follow this year’s event with a newly-planted hazel at the larger one, most likely in June. Right now Dundreggan Open Day in though, as we move into winter, with its October. more inward focus, I see this as an essential From left to right, standing: time of establishing the strong and healthy Bruce Bacon, Allan Common, Roy Dennis and roots for our project, that will be essential for Muriel Gray. In front: sustaining and supporting all the work that Kenneth Knott and Alan lies ahead. Watson Featherstone. Alan Watson Featherstone PHOTO BY MICK DRURY .

In this Winter 2008-09 issue: Dwarf birch survey G ‘Goat moth’ trees G Winter gift ideas

Our once & future fauna G Wild, Free & Coming Back? G Tree lungwort species profile Restoring the Forest

Putting theVision into Practice By Mick Drury

utumn again, and the Work Weeks are out in it a good place to escape the midges at lunchtime when the blustery winds, rain showers and some glorious air is still lower down! From this vantage point the views days of warm sun. Pirouel and Rosie are over the forest and Loch Loch Beinn a'Mheadhoin are Crested tits are regularly continually improving our volunteer programme, spectacular. I often saw black grouse in a more sheltered seen at Coille Ruigh in Aattending to some of the finer details, and it has been hollow and interesting montane plants occurring at that Glen Affric. expanded again for 2009, with a great variety of work sites altitude include bearberry ( Arctostaphylos uva-ursi ) and and accommodation, from Dundreggan to Skye. In cloudberry ( Rubus chamaemorus ). addition to felling, fencing and nursery work, the Where the ground conditions are good, the growth of programme aims to meet our 2008/09 planting target of young pines has been superb, with some trees now several 250,000 trees, as our contribution to the global metres tall and producing cones each year. Amongst the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Billion mature pines, rowans are regenerating in large numbers, Tree Campaign. Please see the enclosed copy of our from seeds deposited in birds’ droppings, and the recovery 2009 Work Week brochure or our website at of heather and blaeberry is evident. Elsewhere across the www.treesforlife.org.uk/tfl.ww_booking.html , or phone eastern part of the site, there are scattered pockets of the office for further details. regenerating pines and birches that are doing well, with Dan reports elsewhere in this issue of Caledonia Wild! occasional eared willow and juniper. Much of the ground is on his involvement with the reintroductions conference wet, with extensive areas of deer grass ( Trichophorum that we co-hosted here at Findhorn in September. Adam cespitosum ), cross-leaved heath ( Erica tetralix ) and has been using his green fingers to develop propagation mosses, and it seems apparent that although pines will trials for some of the woodland ground flora, finding initial often germinate in the mossy carpet, and sometimes grow success with creeping ladies tresses ( Goodyera repens ) on for a few years, they succumb to the wet conditions and some of the wintergreens. The nursery work caused by the poor drainage. Nevertheless, in the progresses and Malcolm has done a great job keeping the intervening years, they provide a scrubby habitat of slow 30,000 young trees growing whilst Jill is on maternity growing trees that would otherwise be missing. leave. Neil has been overseeing things, keeping on top of maintenance at Plodda Lodge and both he and Malcolm have been working on new developments at the tree nursery, with help from the volunteers on our autumn Work Weeks. We’ll have more information about this in the next edition of Caledonia Wild! . Meanwhile, we’re delighted to welcome the new addition to the team – Jill and Neil’s daughter, Cara, who was born in July, and look forward to seeing her helping Iona, now 4, around the nursery in the future!

Coille Ruigh na Cuileige 1991-2008 I’ve spent a few days again this summer looking at the monitoring plots at Coille Ruigh on the Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS) estate in Glen Affric. This was the first area that was deer fenced with funds raised by Trees for Life, and it was completed when the gate was ceremoniously closed by David Bellamy in 1990. Since then surveys have been undertaken in 1996, 2001 and 2007-08 to monitor the progress of the trees there. No planting has been done and the whole 50 hectares (125 acres) has been left to regenerate naturally, in the absence of deer browsing pressure. One day, climbing up through the forest below, with Oliver Rakocevik (our long term volunteer this past summer), we paused to watch a party of crested tits ( Parus cristatus ) flitting amongst the nearby pines. The western part of the exclosure is occupied by mature Scots pine, with occasional birch, and there are islands of pine trees Alan Watson Featherstone beside the ‘Champion pine’ at elsewhere amongst the open wet heath. The land rises to Coille Ruigh na Cuileige, showing how large this tree has Cloudberry about 450 metres, and it’s quite exposed up there, making grown since the fence was erected in 1990.

2 Caledonia Wild! • Winter 2008-09 Grudie Oakwood

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Map of the Trees for Life Target Area, showing the location of the sites referred to in this article. Montane Scrub Project Mark Richards has been with us this summer developing of Athnamulloch, on FCS land in Glen Affric. We’d the montane woodland work. He’s been camping up on come to do an initial survey of the montane willows the high ground on Dundreggan for days at a time found up there, perched high above the glen. These braving the weather and midges and it would be hard to species are fairly rare in Scotland, especially so in our find a more dedicated and skilled surveyor! He reports on Target Area for forest restoration, because of the some of the initial findings for dwarf birch in a separate dominance of acid geology and soils. Up at the rocks and article in this edition of Caledonia Wild! Elsewhere, I ledges there are some more base-rich flushes with a spent a day with Mark up at the crags at 700 metres on the different tall herb vegetation characterised by great eastern side of Gleann na Ciche, which is situated south wood-rush ( Luzula sylvatica ). Not surprisingly, due to this relatively luxuriant growth, the area attracts the deer and the willows tend to cling on in the more inaccessible places. However, the shrubs do require bare ground for seedlings to germinate and the deer, together with small landslips, help to provide this. It’s a difficult balance, as ever, with deer numbers. These willows are not always easy to identify and, to complicate matters, can sometimes hybridise, but the wind kept the showers brief and Mark was able to key out downy willow ( Salix lapponum ) and dark-leaved willow Mark Richards looking at one Salix myrsinifolia ( ). There’s a good population of of the downy willows in another woody shrub up there – the bog bilberry Gleann na Ciche. (Vaccinium uliginosum ) – and the area also supports PHOTO BY MICK DRURY . small populations of the rare woolly willow ( Salix lanata ), which is now included as a priority species for conservation action in Scottish Natural Heritage’s Species Action Framework document. This was very much an initial scouting trip and I hope to return to do a more detailed survey and perhaps collect some cuttings or seed in late spring next year. There’s also a great view of the developing native Downy willows (Salix woodland inside the Gleann na Ciche exclosure from up lapponum) on the crags in there – that’s an area where our volunteers have done a Gleann na Ciche, with a view lot of work, including planting Scots pines and felling to the valley bottom below. non-native trees, in the past. PHOTO BY MICK DRURY .

Caledonia Wild! • Winter 2008-09 3 Alan in October 2007, beside one of the hazels planted 10 years earlier on the north side of Loch Beinn a'Mheadhoin.

collected a good number of hazelnuts inAffric last year but there were very few this season. It will probably be a hard winter for the red squirrels ( Sciurus vulgaris ) that are occasionally spotted in the area, and the mice and voles that depend on the nuts for fattening up before winter sets in. We’ve been planting hazel grown in the nursery for some years at various places in Glen Affric, bridging the gaps between the more isolated remaining groups of Autumn colours of hazel, Hazel in Glen Affric birch and rowan trees mature hazels along the north side of Loch Beinn I’ve been out in the field on a few wet days recently but I a'Mheadhoin and establishing small groups in the near Badger Falls in struck lucky with a visit to the lower end of Glen Affric to Glen Affric this October. exclosures further west. Some of these trees are now doing look for hazelnuts and acorns for growing on at the nursery. PHOTO BY MICK DRURY . very well, and one even began producing nuts for the first It was a gorgeous autumn day in mid-October, sunny and time in 2007. This year I’ve been heartened to find young warm, with the yellowing leaves of hazel and birch and the hazel we planted in the Ghuibhais exclosure in 2002 and orange-red of rowan, all set against a blue-green backdrop out at WestAffric in 2000, some 15 and 22 km further west. of pine. I look forward to the day when these will be thriving and Hazel is abundant along the Affric River between producing nuts of their own to regenerate where conditions Badger Falls and Dog Falls, with lush coppice growth that allow in these wilder areas of the Glen. would have been harvested in the past for a variety of uses. Some of the hazel stools are now quite old and large, covered in mosses and lichens, and there is good Gratitude regeneration of young trees in the area due to a dip in deer Many people help the field staff team in different ways and browsing pressure. In one place I came our thanks go out to all of them. Oliver Rakocevik from across a young oak sapling that was London was with us for 3 months over the summer and, growing up through the hazel canopy – amongst other things, worked on collating and mapping a welcome sight as oak regeneration is our broadleaf tree planting records for Glen Affric. rare here. Even rarer, there’s also a Calum Wilkinson, Goz Gosling and Colin Hall have young ash tree established alongside been helping out with various tasks in between the road there; perhaps climate focalising Work Weeks this autumn. Our change is allowing some of these appreciation goes to all of the focalisers who work species to move gradually up the at the ‘front end’ of our operation. We welcome Glen. A couple of weeks earlier I’d Richard Brockbank who is contributing his many been out at Dundreggan where talents and skills out at Dundreggan. Lastly, Chris fruiting of hazel has been good and Shona Scatchard are always willing to this year but curiously this was lend a hand. We could not achieve so much Red squirrel not so in Glen Affric. I’d without you all!

4 Caledonia Wild! • Winter 2008-09 Frontline

By Pirouel Dickson y most recent trip out of the office to the a number of forums, view other volunteers’ ‘frontline’ was with Rosie, our Work Week photos, put themselves on a map (my Assistant, to Inverwick Forest in Glen Moriston favourite) or even share recipes. The web (see the map on page 3 for the location of this site). We went site also has some very practical aspects, Mto mark out the new planting area for the seven groups like car share options for volunteers, working there this autumn, with 8,000 trees planned to go accommodation recommendations, wildlife out on this site. The site is owned and managed by Forestry and plant links and Work Week records. Commission Scotland and our volunteers have been These records show what work has been working there for five years. So far we have removed done by our volunteers, with daily around 15 km of fencing, planted over 50,000 trees and breakdowns, showing numbers of trees felled thousands of non-native trees. The weather was grim planted, length of fencing removed and with cold westerly winds, bringing heavy showers of icy much more. One of our more experienced rain, making the day a little bit more challenging! focalisers, Rob Pedley, has designed this Our first job was to place stepping-stones across the magnificent site and is responsible for its Allt Phocaichain burn, to help those volunteers who come ongoing management. Thank you very with walking boots and hope to keep their feet dry. I have to much Rob, for all your hard work. I look confess I am a Wellie man through and through! After this, forward to hearing stories from this seasons’ we headed on to the open hill where we marked the Work Weeks via the site. My hope is that as planting areas with canes as well as photographing the site the seasons progress it will become an and assessing any risks. The photos give the Work Week integral part of the Trees for Life experience. focalisers an opportunity to see the area during their Our 2009 programme is very full and briefing on the day before their Week begins, and reduces exciting, with 52 Work Weeks planned and the chance of confusion if they haven’t been to the site we aim to reach our current 250,000 tree planting target by Rosie marking out the before themselves. the end of the Autumn season. It will also see Dundreggan planting area at Inverwick Health and Safety plays a major role in the work we Estate playing host to its first full Work Weeks, 13 in total. in Glen Moriston. do, and it is important to have a Risk Assessment for each Refurbishments permitting, volunteers will be able to stay PHOTO BY PIROUEL DICKSON . site, as well as specific ones for each task, and to update in the relative luxury of Dundreggan Lodge. Next year we those regularly. This site visit has motivated me to will also have two weeks dedicated solely to tree planting, introduce walking aids (traditional birch walking sticks) one at West Affric and the other on Dundreggan. for our volunteers.As I draw up next year’s programme and Why not volunteer on a week and join over 500 people the Work Week brochure, I’m working to ensure that the working to help save the Caledonian Forest? appropriate information and requirements are clearly laid out. The feedback system, whereby we get comments from OCALISER ROFILE volunteers on the Work Weeks, helps me greatly in this F P process. Over the last few years I believe we have taken on board many suggestions from volunteers and focalisers Calum Wilkinson to produce a very efficient and professionally-run First Work Week: programme. Cannich and Cougie With our annual schedule of Work Weeks continuing to expand and the numbers of volunteers rapidly increasing Favourite site: (an amazing 400 this year!) it is clear to me how important West Affric these site visits and ongoing improvements are. Most enjoyable aspects of It was great to be outdoors, seeing and feeling the Work Weeks: weather systems rolling in over the hills, as it is a far cry “I love the practical side of from our Portacabin office at Findhorn! We were lucky planting the trees and draw enough to see a beautiful rainbow over Dundreggan, which much energy from being lies to the north of Inverwick. out in beautiful places with Alongside the site visits, planning next year’s the whole group working programme, keeping on top of the Work Week logistics and together. I’m pleasantly surprised when people’s applying for funding, I’ve had the pleasure of providing hidden qualities and talents come to the fore material for the new and exciting Trees for Life volunteer throughout the week.At the end of the week I’m happy web site: http://tflvolunteer.org . This is a superb site to see when volunteers discover renewed hope and where volunteers and focalisers can communicate through inspiration to take with them.”

Caledonia Wild! • Winter 2008-09 5 Dwarf birch survey

in GleBynMarMk Richoardrs iston As reported in the last edition of Caledonia Wild! , we took Mark Richards on under a 3 month contract in the summer to survey montane scrub and especially dwarf birch in Glen Moriston. Here he reports on the results of his work.

his summer I spent 10 Monitoring results weeks roaming around Monitoring work in the 20 hectare Balnacarn exclosure Glen Moriston, surveying shows that the dwarf birch (and the surrounding dwarf birch ( Betula nana ). The vegetation) have doubled in height since the original Tsurvey covered a 21 square baseline survey in 1998. There is also some evidence to kilometre area focussed primarily suggest that the dwarf birch are spreading because they on Trees For Life's Dundreggan were found in 73 quadrats this year compared to just 44 Estate, but also included land on quadrats in the original survey. the neighbouring Corrimony Farm and Glenmoriston Lodge estates. The aim was to map the distribution of dwarf birch and also measure individual plants in Dwarf birch (Betula nana) order to understand more about its ecology and current near Loch Liath in the condition. Monitoring work was also carried out in two northeast of Dundreggan. mountain woodland exclosures to see how the vegetation is developing after being fenced off from the deer. Survey results RIGHT : Meadow pipit I am delighted to report that Dundreggan holds some very chick (Anthus pratensis) extensive areas of dwarf birch. These areas occur mostly photographed on above 500 metres, on the north-facing slopes and on top of Dundreggan during the the broad ridge running from Beinn Bhan in the west to Monitoring work in the 10 hectare Dundreggan dwarf birch survey in Carn na Caorach in the east. Some large areas were also exclosure erected in 2002 shows that the dwarf birch are summer 2008. discovered on Corrimony Farm and Glenmoriston Lodge now almost twice the height of those outside the exclosure, PHOTO BY MARK RICHARDS . in the northeast of the survey area. We have set up 29 being on average some 13 cm taller. Even more permanent plots around Dundreggan so that we can keep an dramatically though, the average number of catkins per eye on any changes in the dwarf birch as the new Trees For plant inside the exclosure is 27 compared with just 2 per Life management plan comes into effect. plant outside the exclosure – a 13 fold increase! It was also exciting to find the larvae of the moth Swammerdamia passerella (it has no common name) inside the exclosure. This rare moth feeds on the leaves of dwarf birch and in Scotland is found in only a few locations. I found it in only one other location in the whole of the survey area, so it is unlikely that it is occurring in the exclosure by chance. The presence of half eaten catkins on the plants occupied by the caterpillars suggests that they may feed on these as well as the leaves. Perhaps the higher number of catkins on the dwarf birch inside the exclosure makes them a better habitat for the caterpillars.

Action The survey results have been fed into the Trees for Life Geographic Information System (computer-based mapping software) and this is being used to identify the best locations for future exclosures. Our aim is to create a network of exclosures that allow the complete spectrum of mountain woodland to develop, ranging from woodland types of the valley floor up to the natural tree line, and beyond to encompass montane scrub. Dundreggan, with its ancient woodland on the lower slopes and abundant dwarf Map of the north of Dundreggan, and the surrounding estates, showing the birch on the higher ground, is the perfect place to turn this distribution of dwarf birch that Mark recorded during his survey. vision into reality.

6 Caledonia Wild! • Winter 2008-09 The life of ‘goat moth’ trees

By Alan Watson Featherstone

ne of the more interesting wildlife features that excitement therefore when larvae we’ve discovered on Dundreggan is the presence emerged from several trees on different of ‘goat moth’ trees there. These are so-called parts of the estate within a period of a few because the larvae of the goat moth ( Cossus cossus ) days in August this year, including a day Oburrow into the trunks of broadleaved trees (birch trees on when the whole Trees for Life staff team Dundreggan), where they live for up to 5 years. They go was there for a site visit! through various instars, or stages of growth, before leaving The larvae live in the trees for so the tree to pupate and then fly as adult moths. The species’ long because it’s a slow process to digest common name comes from the goat-like smell of the the tough cellulose of the tree’s wood, larvae. and they reach a large size – fully grown caterpillars are up 10 cm long and a spectacular bright red colour. While they feed, they One of the ‘goat moth’ produce frass (as the excrement of caterpillars is known) birch trees on and runs of fermented tree sap that drips out of their holes. Dundreggan. This latter appears to be irresistible to a wide range of other insects, which come to feed on it. Red admiral butterflies are particularly attracted to goat moth trees, and the sap seems to make them intoxicated or ‘drunk’, as their

FAR LEFT : Red admiral butterfly (Vanessa atalanta) feeding on a goat moth birch tree on Dundreggan. It was Jane Bowman who first discovered these trees on the estate, and she now knows of four of them, with another that is abandoned. Jane had observed the adult moths on Dundreggan before, but until this summer hadn’t seen the larvae, as they can only usually be spotted when LEFT : Fully grown goat moth they emerge from their trees – an event that takes place larva looking for a place to perhaps on just one day in 5 years! There was considerable pupate in August. behaviour is different when they are feeding, and they can be approached much closer than usual! In fact it was the FAR LEFT : Female adult goat presence of insects, the caterpillars’ frass and the moth in its characteristic angled posture on a tree trunk. discolouration of the host tree’s trunk that first tipped Jane PHOTO BY JANE BOWMAN . off about the goat moth being on Dundreggan. When they are LEFT : Metallic green chafer fully grown, the beetle (Protaetia metallica) larvae leave their feeding on a goat moth tree. host tree in summer and look for a place on the ground to pupate through the winter. The adult moths emerge the following summer, and are on the wing in June and July. They are amongst the heaviest of all moths in the UK and have a wingspan of up to 9.5 cm. The adults don’t feed at all, and are also notable for adopting a distinctive angled posture when they are at rest on a tree. The goat moth is listed as a priority species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP), so its Common wasps (Vespula presence on Dundreggan adds to the conservation vulgaris) feeding on the importance of the estate. same tree.

Caledonia Wild! • Winter 2008-09 7 DundBry Aelan gWatsgon FaeathnerstonNe ews

Cascading waterfall t’s been a busy time since we took ownership of approved. We’re still awaiting approval of the Building Colin Blyth (left) & Dan on a small stream on Dundreggan at the beginning of August, when as many Warrant that is also required – it covers the more stringent Puplett putting up a post in Dundreggan in late people said, the ‘real work’ began, after we took over fire regulations and disabled access requirements we have to October, to mark the autumn. responsibility for the running of the estate. Allan Common, meet. There’s quite a lot of work involved in that, which proposed boundary of the Iwho has worked there for many years, officially became a we’ll have to complete before we can house Work Week wild boar enclosure in the Trees for Life employee when we took title to the estate, and groups there next spring, so we’ll be putting a lot of time and birchwood on Dundreggan. he’s a great addition to our staff team. He knows Dundreggan energy into that in the coming months. intimately and has a great love for the land there, and also The most immediate task though is to connect the 3 does an excellent job of caring for the estate – he’s been fully houses at Dundreggan – the Lodge, Allan Common’s house occupied in the early part of the autumn with the annual cull and Dundreggan Cottage – to the mains water supply. Up till of red deer stags. now, all the buildings have been supplied from a private One of our first and most important priorities is to source just up the hill a little way behind them, but in an establish good relationships with the neighbours official water inspection in 2005 that supply was and the local community, and in late August I gave deemed unsatisfactory. No action was taken then, a short presentation about our plans for the estate to but another inspection thisAugust came to the same a well-attended meeting of the local community conclusion, so we’re treating it as a matter of high council. In October, Allan and I met with John priority to ensure the water supply meets all the Grant, the local crofter who has grazing rights to necessary standards. In fact, the mains supply part of Dundreggan, and in late October we had an comes to within 20 metres of Allan’s house, but it Birch trees in autumn colours, with Scots pine and junipers, on Dundreggan in October. Open Day, for local people to come and visit the was never connected up in the past, so it will be a estate – the first of what we intend will be annual Meanwhile, Jane Bowman is continuing to document member and Trees for Life supporter Richard Brockbank relatively straightforward (albeit not cheap!) job events. and photograph the insect fauna on Dundreggan, and is began working at Dundreggan on a voluntary basis, to make the necessary connections now. Also in October, Jennie Martin, the founder building up a list of species for groups such as hoverflies and potentially through the winter. He busied himself initially and Executive Director of Wild Things! , the bees etc. I’ve been out with her regularly over the summer, with maintenance and painting of Dundreggan Lodge and environmental education charity that is an offshoot of Trees and have drawn on her knowledge and familiarity with the working in the garden around the Lodge, as both the building Funding news cadella estate to photograph various insects. One day in early and the grounds had suffered from neglect latterly under the In September we were disappointed to learn that our Rosehips of d Leafhopper (Ci for Life, brought a group of 6 teenagers from Lossiemouth og rose gwort (Rosa cani iridis) on a ra High School out to Dundreggan for a 2 day wilderness August, the first time I was out on Dundreggan after we took previous owner. As a keen gardener, Richard made some application to the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) was na) on v Dundr flower (Senecio experience there. This was very successful, and as we’re ownership of the estate, we were looking at insects on some compost bins from old pallets, and, as a highly skilled unsuccessful. After an extensive and detailed evaluation by eggan. jacobaea) on keen to provide an educational experience for children at ragwort, and Jane went on ahead while I stopped to take woodworker and craftsman, he’ll help with some of the HLF staff, our application was recommended for approval, August. Dundreggan in Dundreggan, we look forward to working closely with some photographs. Some time later she came to tell me about conversion and renovation work needed on the Lodge - we’re but the committee that decides on funding had substantially Jennie and her colleagues at Wild Things! in future. another ragwort patch further ahead, where she had seen 14 very grateful for his enthusiasm and good work. more applications than they had funds available for, so peacock butterflies! When I arrived there, I was delighted to In early October I spent a day with Colin Blyth and Dan unfortunately ours was one they opted not to support. While see these beautiful butterflies in such Puplett marking out the provisional line this seemed like quite a blow at the time, we have refocused Surveys and biodiversity discoveries abundance, and it seemed particularly for the proposed wild boar enclosure in our fundraising and are now moving ahead with other As Mark Richards reports in this edition of Caledonia Wild! , significant, as we had used the peacock as the birch woodland on the lower slopes of options. Peacock butterfly there’s an extensive distribution of dwarf birch ( Betula the symbol on our fundraising leaflet for Binnilidh Bheag. Much of that woodland Colin Blyth has submitted an initial application on our (Inachis io) on nana ) in the northern part of Dundreggan – it forms one of Dundreggan. I had also seen them in early area is almost impenetrable in summer behalf to the Scottish Rural Development Programme Dundreggan in August. the best concentrations of this montane scrub species in the May 2006, on my first day there after we because of the dense bracken growing (SRDP), which is the successor to the Woodland Grant country. During the course of his work, he observed ring signed legal agreement for the purchase of there. We plan to utlise the boar to reduce Scheme, and we hope that will fund much of the practical ouzels ( Turdus torquatus ) there, which is interesting because the estate. Once again, I felt as though the the preponderance of the bracken, and forest restoration work on the estate. that mountain-dwelling relative of the blackbird is thought to peacocks were welcoming me, and Trees also to provide better germination I’m also delighted to report that we have been awarded have an association with dwarf birch. It has also for Life, in our new role as custodians of conditions for the seeds of trees such as £9,100 worth of materials and supplies by DIY chain B & Q, recently been added to the UK’s Biodiversity this remarkable area of land! Scots pine. We still have to apply for a under their new ‘One Planet Living Awards’ Action Plan (BAP) list, so that, together with the licence to have boar at Dundreggan, so it programme. This includes insulation materials for confirmation of the goat moth on Dundreggan, will be next year before we can get the animals on site. Dundreggan Lodge, materials to convert the brings the total number of BAP species known on Practical work is underway However, we wanted to get the fence marked out before the outbuilding behind the Lodge into an office, and a the estate to 40. We’ve begun practical work on Dundreggan on a small scale bracken died down for the winter, so that we can situate the solar panel hot water system that will be installed on Liz Holden, who carried out a survey for this autumn, with most of the Volunteer Work Weeks based enclosure where the bracken is most in need of control. I also the roof of the Lodge. fungi on Dundreggan in 2007, returned for a elsewhere in Glen Moriston doing a day’s work on the estate. set up 3 photographic monitoring posts, so that we have In the absence of funding from HLF, we have follow-up survey this year to look for the fungal Their main task was felling some of the smaller non-native documentary evidence of the condition of the bracken before some major items of expenditure that we need to species associated with dwarf birch. She spent a trees in the commercial plantation in the southwest of the the boar arrive, and can then evaluate how effective they are raise funds for in the near future. These include a day on the estate in early August, but was estate. The restoration of the entire 290 hectare plantation at clearing it. new minibus for Work Weeks based at Dundreggan unsuccessful in her search this time, although back to native forest is a long term project that will probably (£23,000), a 4 x 4 crew cab pickup truck (£17,300), she did find a number of species of fungi in the take at least 10 years to complete, but it’s great to make a start connecting the houses to mains water (£4,000), Hairy curtain birch woodland that she hadn’t seen last year.As not all types on it now. The volunteer groups have also done some seed bringing Dundreggan Lodge up to Building Regulation crust fungi ockbank filling Infrastructure work (Stereum Richard Br hirsutum) on a ost bins he’s of fungi fruit in abundance each year, it may be that 2008 collection this autumn, and we’ve got seed from hazel, oak, I’m delighted to report that the planning application we standards (estimated at £40,000), the wild boar project dead b one of the comp irch tree on undreggan with wasn’t a good year for the dwarf birch-associated species. bird cherry, hawthorn, blackthorn and dog rose for submitted to Highland Council for a Change of Use for (£25,500), biodiversity surveys (£16,900) and upgrading the Dundregg made at D an in October. ce leaf mould Liz is planning to make another visit in 2009, so we hope that propagation in our nursery at Plodda Lodge. Dundreggan Lodge, to enable us to use the building as deer larder (£25,000). If you’re inspired to contribute to any leaves, to produ a mulch. will be more successful. In late September, long-term Findhorn community accommodation for Volunteer Work Week groups, has been of these, please contact the Trees for Life office! for future use as

8 Caledonia Wild! • Winter 2008-09 Caledonia Wild! • Winter 2008-09 9 Our Once and Future Fauna

By Dan Puplett

Unsurprisingly, these ideas can be very contentious, and there is a broad spectrum of viewpoints. At Trees for Life, we advocate the restoration of complete ecosystems, which ultimately includes the return of all their component species. It must be added that we recognise there are some very real challenges to address, and that appropriate timing and a cooperative approach are crucial. However, some people believe that our present day countryside has changed too much to accommodate certain large mammals, or are understandably concerned about public safety, or conflicts with other land uses, particularly farming and game interests. Even some proponents of reintroductions may advocate some species and not others, The European beaver any people are surprised to learn that until or talk about very different timescales. Here we will look at will fell broadleaved relatively recently, Britain had thriving the ecology and some of the issues surrounding the key trees to feed on in winter, populations of wolves, beavers, lynx, wild boar species in question. and also for building its and other large mammals. These animals have been driven lodge and dams. Mto extinction by our ancestors for a variety of reasons. Beaver While it is easy to point a finger of blame, it is worth The European beaver ( Castor fiber ) is a large aquatic remembering that our ancestors themselves were trying to rodent. It existed in Britain until at least the early sixteenth make a living in challenging conditions, and were in some century, and it should be noted that this is an entirely cases guided by superstitions, which while being factually different species to the Canadian beaver ( Castor inaccurate, were nonetheless very real in their world-view. canadensis ). It was hunted to extinction mainly for its fur, Whatever the case, the legacy has been the loss of some and for an oil called castoreum, which was used as very charismatic species, and a severe degradation of our medicine. native ecosystems. The beaver is entirely herbivorous. Ecologists agree These animals have no way of returning to this island that it can have a very beneficial effect on woodland and without our assistance, and for decades (centuries in some wetland habitats and it is what is known as a keystone cases) there have been discussions about the possibility of species in aquatic ecosystems. This means that its presence reintroducing various species to our shores. In fact the sea and behaviour have knock-on effects that have major eagle ( Haliaeetus albicilla ) has already been returned to benefits for other parts of the ecosystem. For example, by Scotland and red kite ( Milvus milvus ) to Scotland and cutting down selected broadleaved trees (they rarely fell England, and lessons can be learned from these conifers) to feed on the bark and foliage, beavers encourage reintroductions. trees to coppice (send up new growth from the stump). Below is an overview of some current thinking Coppicing allows light to the forest floor, which benefits surrounding reintroductions, looking at why they are being flowers and insects, and creates low shrubby growth that is considered at all, and also what the key issues are good for certain nesting birds. Their dams also create Lynx kitten concerning a number of the main candidates. valuable wetland habitats that are used by an impressive array of wildlife, from frogs ( Rana temporaria ) and fish to Why reintroductions? otters ( Lutra lutra ) and dragonflies. If an animal has been extirpated from our countryside, why In spring 2009, a trial beaver reintroduction, managed consider returning it at all? Is there space? Is it safe? One by the Scottish Wildlife Trust and the Royal Zoological of the key arguments in favour of reintroductions is Society for Scotland, will begin at Knapdale in Argyll. If at ecological integrity and wholeness. As we’ll see below, the end of the five year trial, there are no insurmountable various large animals play a key role in maintaining healthy problems, a licence for a broader reintroduction could be ecosystems, for example by regulating herbivore numbers, applied for. promoting diverse woodland structure, or creating wetland habitats. There is also an ethical case for reintroductions: many would argue that since our species is responsible for the demise of some of our native fauna, we have an obligation to redress the balance. In addition, under the European Union’s Habitats and Species Directive, Member States have a duty to investigate the feasibility and desirability of returning certain missing species. In some cases there may be benefits to local economies through ecotourism, or, more controversially, European beaver feeding on through hunting. Others make the case that there are deep- aspen at the Aigas Field seated psychological or spiritual benefits, in terms of Studies Centre in Strathglass. restoring a sense of wholeness or wildness to the land and PHOTO BY LAURIE CAMPBELL . ourselves.

10 Caledonia Wild! • Winter 2008-09 Concerns have been expressed about the possible effects of beavers on fishing interests, but these are unfounded. Beavers do not eat fish at all and evidence from Norway shows that beaver dams do not have a negative effect on salmon, which are more than capable of leaping over them. Other concerns include the possibility of flooding areas of farmland, but as the beaver has already been reintroduced to more than 24 other European countries, there is ample evidence to show that these issues are easily overcome, if they do occur. If all goes as hoped, it will be the first successful reintroduction of a mammal to Britain. Wolf Wild Boar The wild boar ( Sus scrofa ) is the ancestor of our domestic pig, and was hunted to extinction in Scotland around 400 Wolf The wolf ( Canis lupus ) is the top predator across much of years ago. Its decline was also linked to loss of woodland the northern hemisphere. It was hunted to extinction in cover. Scotland around the middle of the eighteenth century and It is an omnivorous forest dwelling animal that feeds was seen as a major competitor as it would sometimes prey primarily by rooting in the soil for roots, grubs, fungi, on livestock such as sheep. carrion etc. This behaviour plays an important role in the Ecologically, the wolf plays a crucial role in forest ecosystem, as it creates a seed bed for trees and other influencing the activities of herbivores, particularly the plants to germinate in, as well as exposing food for birds. red deer ( Cervus elaphus ). While it would have some There are in fact well-established populations of wild impact on their numbers, a key effect would be in boar in the south of England, as a result of escapes from influencing the behaviour of herbivores through enclosures. In spite of having a ferocious reputation, wild disturbing them during unsuccessful hunting attempts (up boar are very wary of humans, and will try and avoid to 90% of attempted kills are unsuccessful). Wolves would interactions with people if possible. In rare cases they have prevent deer from feeding in an area for too long, thereby been known to attack humans or dogs, particularly if a sow helping the regeneration of woodland and other habitats with her young is disturbed. that have been degraded by a long history of overgrazing. There is sufficient habitat and prey for wolves in FAR LEFT : Wild boar sow Scotland, and contrary to fairy tales, they are a negligible inside a fenced enclosure threat to humans. However they do prey on livestock and on the Alladale Estate. domestic dogs, and questions have been raised about whether those conflicts would be insurmountable, and whether the public would be willing or able to share the land with this predator. If wolves were ever reintroduced, a major consideration would be how farming could coexist with them. In other parts of Europe, where farmers are accustomed to living with wolves, methods such as shepherding and the use of guard dogs are employed. Compensation schemes are another option. In Female lynx in Norway, Norway, farmers are compensated for losses, although this using a birch tree as a has not proved to be as effective as Sweden’s approach scratching post. where farmers are actually paid for having predators on PHOTO BY PETER CAIRNS . their land, which seems to be more readily embraced. At present, sheep farming is in considerable decline in the Highlands, and it remains to be seen how much this would alter the situation.

Lynx The Eurasian lynx ( Lynx lynx ) was present in North Yorkshire until at least the 6th century AD, and became extinct through persecution, and the loss of habitat and prey. It is mainly a predator of roe deer ( Capreolus capreolus ), the population of which is estimated as having increased to 400,000 in Scotland. Like the wolf, the lynx’s influence on its prey would help the recovery of native There are also concerns about impacts on cereal habitats, as well as reducing deer-induced crops, and the potential of spreading disease to domestic damage to forestry. pigs. Lessons could be learned from the many European The lynx poses no threat to humans countries where people are accustomed to living with wild and it is thought that in Scotland its boar. Without a natural predator, controlling their numbers impacts on livestock would be very would be essential, and could even provide an income for minimal, since lynx largely remain farmers. within woodland, and sheep are grazed

Caledonia Wild! • Winter 2008-09 11 record dates from around 4,000 years ago. It often browses on aquatic vegetation, and as with other herbivores, it has a valuable influence on creating diverse structure within the forest. It also prevents pools from becoming overgrown, and can thus benefit aquatic wildlife. However at present there are already overgrazing problems resulting from large numbers of red deer in Scotland, so it may be wise to wait until predators are restored before reintroducing this charismatic herbivore.

Lessons from other reintroductions We are fortunate that there have already been reintroductions of a range of species in Europe, and also the reintroductions of red kites and sea eagles in Britain, from Poster featuring the on open ground. Sheep adjacent to woodland may be at which we can learn valuable lessons. lynx, used to promote more risk, however, but again various management Some of the key lessons include the fact that local tourism for the Harz strategies or compensation schemes would be helpful. communities need to be involved from the very start of any National Park in Studies have shown that there is sufficient prey and habitat projects. Initiatives in Europe in which people weren’t Germany. for lynx in Scotland, as they would thrive in conifer properly consulted have had problems with hostility from plantations as well as native forest. local people who felt disenfranchised. In the Harz Mountains of Germany, lynx that were Good quality information is also essential, making reintroduced in 2000 have had a positive impact on sure that the facts about particular species are presented, so tourism, and images of the lynx are used to market the area, that we can make clear decisions based on good science. and it has been argued that its presence could generate Obviously it is important that the factor that caused the significant revenue for Scotland’s rural economy. There extirpation in the first place is no longer present, and this is are many who do not advocate wolf reintroduction, who stated in the Habitats and Species Directive. However, it is still see the lynx as a very realistic candidate. inevitable that there will be times when the activities of reintroduced animals come into conflict with humans. Bear While every effort should be made to minimise such situations, we would need to accept that particular animals The brown bear ( Ursus arctos ) was hunted to extinction in that were causing a problem (eg repeatedly killing Britain by around 500 AD. It is an omnivore, and although livestock) may need to be relocated or humanely killed. it will eat animals such as deer, it is not a major predator. In Some opponents of reintroductions argue that there Canada bears catch salmon and often leave the remains in are already plenty of species requiring urgent conservation the forest, thereby playing a valuable role in the cycling of action. Shouldn’t we be putting money into supporting those we have already? Others would point out that restoring keystone species can have such beneficial effects on biodiversity (for example the positive influence of beavers on restoring and maintaining aquatic ecosystems), that reintroductions could reduce the need for species-specific management and be more cost-effective in the long run. Trees for Life believes that the reintroduction of our missing species to selected areas would be possible and desirable. Indeed it is vital for restoring the land to ecological health. However the timescales and obstacles to be overcome are very varied. Species such as the beaver may be with us very soon, whereas the wolf could be much further down the line. We need very open and inclusive discussion that involves local people, farmers and all the Brown bear nutrients. It is possible that Scotland’s bears fulfilled a other stakeholders. similar function in our forests in the past. It is worth bearing in mind that we encourage those Of all the reintroduction candidates, the bear would be living in India, Africa and elsewhere to conserve and live the most challenging. There is not a sufficient amount of alongside their large animals, many of which are far more good quality habitat for bears at present, and they could challenging to coexist with than any of those discussed pose a significant threat to human safety. It is possible to above. Would we have more credibility if we were prepared learn ways to minimise conflicts and dangers (such to allow a little more wildness into our own lives? awareness is common knowledge in parts of Europe and A list of sources for this article is available on our website. North America), but it would take time to educate the public, and it would take even longer to restore suitable habitat. To many, however, the presence of bears would bring both a sense of wholeness and wildness to the forest environment.

FAR RIGHT : Elk or moose have Elk or moose probably been missing in The elk ( Alces alces ), which, confusingly, is known as Scotland since about moose in North America (where red deer are called elk!), 1,500 BC. was also extirpated by humans, although the last fossil

12 Caledonia Wild! • Winter 2008-09 Report from the Reintroductions Conference Wild, Free and

ComiBny Dagn PupBlett ack? n September Trees for Life and the Wildland Network more depth with the different species, jointly hosted a conference at Findhorn, exploring the discussing ‘What? Where? How?’ for potential for reintroducing missing species to Scotland. beaver, lynx, wolf and herbivores. Around seventy people attended, and we had some On the first evening a local Iexcellent speakers and fruitful discussions. Here is a storyteller wove spellbinding tales, glimpse of what proved to be a rich and exciting event. giving a glimpse of how our ancestors Roy Dennis started with a presentation on the lessons might have viewed some of the beasts learned from bird reintroductions. Roy was a key player in they lived alongside. the reintroductions of the red kite and white-tailed eagle, as Day two began with updates on well as helping to encourage the return of the osprey. some of the habitat restoration projects Among his key messages were the need for local people to underway in Scotland, with reports on be very much involved in reintroduction proposals from Carrifran Wildwood, and other forest the outset, and the importance of having in-depth restoration work in the Borders. There knowledge of the species being advocated. He also felt that were presentations on the Alladale the conservation world can be too conservative, and should Project, as well as the work in Glen seek to emulate business and commerce, that are more Affric, including the Guisachan Wild inclined to ‘just get on with it’. Boar Project. Such work obviously has Iain Valentine of the Royal Zoological Society of a bearing on discussions about Scotland then gave an overview of the beaver trial that will reintroductions, even if indirectly at begin inArgyll next year, which if successful, will result in first. the first ever reintroduction of a mammal to Britain. It became clear that the science Peter Cairns, wildlife photographer and one of the and ecological benefits are just one founders of Tooth and Claw, asked the crucial question: component of the reintroductions ‘Facing the predator – are we ready?’. He felt that the issue debate, and that there are strong of reintroductions isn’t really a scientific one, and has more cultural and aesthetic elements to to do with people and their perceptions. He concluded that, bringing these species back. Kenny Taylor gave a Kenny Taylor giving his in his view, the public aren’t ready for large predators – just fascinating presentation on the ‘Lore of Fauna Celtica’, presentation during the yet. offering an insight into some of the cultural and linguistic conference. When would be the best time for reintroductions? history surrounding our missing fauna, although he PHOTO BY MICK DRURY . Alan Watson Featherstone presented some targets to emphasised how little knowledge there is of our ancestors’ stimulate discussion, including 2043 (300 years after the beliefs about the wildlife that surrounded them. local legend says that the last wolf was killed by the River Various workshops then examined the ‘new folklore’ Findhorn) as a target date for the return of the wolf. surrounding reintroductions and the politics of Alan presented the concept of ‘stretch goals’, a reintroductions, as well as issues such as livelihoods from principle that guides a lot of TFL’s work. The idea is to set reintroductions, farming, forestry and game concerns and a target that may seem overly ambitious judged by the how reintroduced species can drive ecosystem restoration. conventional mindset, and then looking at what steps Towards the end of the conference several groups would be needed to reach that goal, rather than just being were established to investigate how best to move the limited by current thinking. debate forward and the main event was cheerfully I enjoyed how interactive the conference was and we concluded with a debate entitled ‘The return of the wolf – tried to ensure that as many people as possible got the is Scotland’s psyche ready?’ which proved to be an opportunity to contribute. Workshop sessions went into interesting and good humoured finale. The field trips to Glen Affric (hosted by Forestry Commission Scotland who have a neutral policy on reintroductions), Alladale and Carrifran, gave delegates a chance to discuss issues in some superb settings, adding a fitting touch of wildness to the event. A huge thanks to the many people who help to make the event a success, including the speakers and delegates, the field trip hosts, the Findhorn Foundation and the many volunteers who helped with logistics. One of the conference To see the proceedings of the conference, please visit workshop groups, with the the Wildland Network and Trees for Life websites: Tooth and Claw exhibition www.wildland-network.org.uk/meetings/WFCB/WFCB.htm visble behind. and www.treesforlife.org.uk . PHOTO BY MICK DRURY .

Caledonia Wild! • Winter 2008-09 13 Funding the Forest By Kerrigan Bell

Wedding Bells Email Everyone at TFL sends their best wishes to the following We are asking all our supporters to opt to receive your two couples who tied the knot recently! Congratulations to newsletter by email and lower your impact on the Helen Bennett, our amazing Webmistress who married environment. It’s simple and will reduce publishing costs Ghulam Yar in Lancaster – lots of love to you both! And for Trees for Life, so that more funds are available for our Caroline Osborn, one of our focalisers, who married her work on the ground. So, keep up to date with our partner James Allen in Staffordshire. Caroline has been achievements and save paper at the same time – just email leading Work Weeks with us since last year. We wish both [email protected] or call 0845 458 3505 and let us know! couples all the best for their futures together. On the subject of weddings, we have new Sponsored Walk Wedding Grove Packs - which are designed to make it easy The Sponsored Walk on the 5th October was a relatively for couples to start their own Grove of trees, and for family quiet affair, with about 30 people attending in Glen Affric and friends to join in. The packs are free when you start a and 10 people in Edinburgh. It was however, the most Grove, and include tasteful envelopes that allow wedding stunning day in Glen Affric, with people enjoying their guests to dedicate trees to the Grove with personalised lunch outside the bothy at the half way point. Thank you to messages that appear on the couple’s Grove Web Page. everyone who came on the walk in GlenAffric and to Mike These envelopes are also ideal for any event or occasion Harrower and everyone who did the Edinburgh walk. Caroline and James on where you would like to involve a group of people in the There will of course be another opportunity to make your their wedding day. planting of a grove together. If you would like a Wedding Footsteps Count for the Forest next year! If you would like PHOTO BY BEVERLY Grove Pack, please contact me on: 0845 458 3505. to do an event, and raise money for Trees for Life, we have Sponsor Forms at the office, just call: 0845 458 3505.

One of the special gift envelopes that come in our new Wedding Grove Packs.

Walkers enjoying a Mediterranean-style outdoor café at Mike Harrower (far right) and some of the participants in this Athnamulloch during this year’s Sponsored Walk in Glen Affric! year’s Edinburgh Sponsored Walk. PHOTO BY MIKE HARROWER . Winter Gift Ideas Christmas is only round the corner, and if you haven’t taken advantage of our fabulous gift ideas, then now is the time!All of our products definitely don’t ‘cost the earth’ – so give with a clear conscience and put a smile on your loved ones’ faces! All proceeds from these products go directly to supporting the restoration of the Caledonian Forest. Personalised Christmas Tree Certificate - £15 for 2009 Diary - £12.95, Calendar - £9.95 one tree & certificate, £5 per tree thereafter These attractive calendars and Our Christmas Tree Certificate and tree-planting gift is a diaries feature exceptional images fantastic way of showing your friends and family you care of trees and forests from every about them – and the environment. This is the perfect gift corner of the globe by some of the for those who have everything already! Sponsor as many world’s most accomplished nature trees as you like, supply us with a few words of dedication, photographers, along with plenty and we’ll personalise the certificate(s), send it to you along of insightful information. Voted with a cover letter for the recipient(s), and plant the trees for one of the Ten Best Diaries, The you in Spring 2009. Independent 2007.

New! Christmas Tree Gift Card - £10 each New Images! The exclusive design features an attractive winter scene in Pack of Six Winter Greetings Cards - £5 the Caledonian Forest, and is blank inside for your This pack of six greetings cards features beautiful message. Put simply, each card bought represents a tree photographs of the Caledonian Forest in winter. The cards planted. The back of the card provides information about are blank inside and come with matching envelopes. the tree that we will plant on the recipient’s behalf on the Dundreggan Estate. Why not buy a few to have on hand All of our products are carefully selected to have the over the festive season? They are the ultimate in minimum impact on the environment – the paper products Our new Winter convenient, last minute gifts! are printed on recycled stock with at least 75% post Greetings Cards consumer waste, using vegetable-oil based inks.

14 Caledonia Wild! • Winter 2008-09 Thank you! STAFF CORNER Our heartfelt thanks go out to the following organisations and individuals who have made significant contributions One of the longest serving towards our work in recent months: members of staff at TFL is Elaine Dempsey, the lynchpin Charitable Trusts : Hugh Fraser Foundation, Heritage of the day to day running of Lottery Fund, Percy Hedley Charitable Trust and the Kirby the organisation. If you’ve Laing Foundation. ever phoned the office, chances are you’ve spoken to Individuals : James Dalton, Gordon McRuvie, Geoff and Elaine, with her welcoming Lisa Sharp, Roy Greenhaigh, Anton Musset and Rob Pedley. Scottish lilt! She started at Companies : Chartered Insurance Institute, Standard Life, Trees for Life in 1992, when it was just a small team of three TreeTwists, First Scot Rail, Martin Randall Travel, Lightspeed people with a big vision! Research, Manor Creative and Unicorn Grocery. She’s recently taken on the role of Personnel Manager in Company Supporters addition to being Office Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre Manager. She says, “There’s a Elaine Dempsey need for more personnel PHOTO BY ANNEKE KLOP management as we are now a team of 14 people. It’s a new role for me and I’m enjoying it.” Maintaining a friendly approach to people is vital, and is something Elaine excels at. She says, “I like the personal contact with all our supporters, and greeting people as they come in the office. It’s really important that TFL puts forward a welcoming manner”. And what of the future? “When I look at how the organisation has grown, I think in 5-10 years, TFL will become more and more influential in the field of conservation”. When not at work, Elaine enjoys being in nature, good wine, travelling (especially to Italy) and spending time with her two granddaughters. So, let’s raise a glass and toast Elaine’s dedication and hard work – thank you Elaine!

New Members and Life Members Thank you to all those who responded to our membership letter in the last mailing – we are very grateful for your support and hope you enjoy your membership! If there’s any feedback or comments you’d like to make about the membership, please email me at: [email protected] Welcome also to the following people who joined as Life Members recently: Prof. Anthony Jones, Douglas Guy, Lesley Mackinnon, Louise Lamonby, Ian R.F Ross, Gordon Taylor, Andrew Craig, Gabi Wiedebusch, Hugo Klip, Caroline Evans, Mill Millichap and Sarah Beattie. Card Free Christmas You can join as a member by visiting: We are inviting all our supporters and companies to www.treesforlife.org.uk/tfl.joinm.html save money, time and paper this year by going ‘Christmas Card Free’. Forgo sending Christmas cards and support the Wish List restoration of the Scottish Caledonian Forest instead! Thank you to Keith Knight for donating items on our Edinburgh law firm, Gillespie MacAndrew, did just that last Wish List. We are now in need of the following last year, giving Trees for Life a donation of £500 to plant 100 items to make our day to day operations more effective: saplings. Managing Partner Ian Turnbull says, “We made the decision to not send Christmas cards to • A Ford Transit 17 Seater Minibus, (£23,000) so we our clients and contacts, and donated the money we saved to can run three Work Weeks in parallel. Alternatively, Trees for Life as an easy way of reducing our carbon you can sponsor a seat in the bus for £1,642! emissions. Our clients appreciated the gesture, and we are • A log splitter for Plodda Lodge (£400). delighted to know our donation went towards 100 new trees • New ride-on mower for Dundreggan (£1,400). in the Highlands. Trees for Life is a fantastic project working Two satellite phones for the Work Weeks (£1,420). on our doorstep and I’d encourage companies to follow suit.” • You can either choose to not send cards and send us a We so appreciate all of those people who have donated gifts donation of the money saved, or visit in kind to us in the past. If you think you can help us with any www.nocardsthanks.com to send e-cards instead with of the above items, or wish to contribute to their purchase, 70% of the donation going to TFL. Please tell everybody so please call us today on Tel: 0845 458 3505. Our 2009 Diary more people can have a Card Free Christmas! Thank you!

Caledonia Wild! • Winter 2008-09 15 Caledonian Forest Photo Gallery Winter’s Ephemeral Works of Art

In winter, when the temperature drops well below zero during the night, hoar frost and ice add spectacular ornamentation to the simplest of things in Nature. However, these crystalline creations are usually all short-lived, and soon melt in the sun of a new day.

Ice pattern on a frozen pond on Dundreggan. Hoar frost on a bracken frond (Pteridium aquilinum) in Glen Affric.

Hoar frost crystals on reeds on a pond near the River Moriston on Dundreggan. Detail of the frost crystals on one of the reeds.

Icicle-covered branches hanging over a small stream in Hoar frost on grass and alder trees (Alnus glutinosa) beside the River winter in Glen Affric. Moriston on Dundreggan. 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 80% post-consumer waste using vegetable oil-based inks by Big Sky, Findhorn Tel: 01309 691 640 Illustrations by Caragh McAuley and photos by Alan Watson Featherstone unless otherwise indicated. 16 Caledonia Wild! • Winter 2008-09