Initiative Launched to Save Scotland’s Endangered Aspen Trees

A new effort to protect one of Scotland’s most threatened native trees, the aspen, has been launched in the Cairngorms National Park.

This initiative, led by the rewilding charity Trees for Life in partnership with the Cairngorms National Park Authority, aims to map and assess the health of existing aspen populations and guide the planting of new trees.

Once a common sight in Scotland, aspen has largely disappeared due to deforestation and overgrazing. Trees for Life highlights that the aspen is a crucial component of the ancient Caledonian forest, which once dominated the Scottish Highlands.

The tree supports a rich biodiversity, providing habitat for rare fungi, lichens, mosses, and moths, and its leaves sustain over 60 species of insects.

Beavers, reintroduced to the Cairngorms in 2022 after a 400-year absence, are particularly reliant on aspen, which plays a key role in their diet and habitat. Additionally, aspen is a natural ally in the fight against climate change, as it grows quickly and sequesters carbon efficiently during its short lifespan.

Aspen’s recovery has been hampered by several challenges. Unlike most trees, it rarely flowers or produces seeds in Scotland, making natural regeneration difficult.

Overgrazing by deer and other animals has further limited its ability to spread, leaving it to survive mainly on rocky, inaccessible terrain.

The new initiative will systematically map the existing aspen population, along with the plants and wildlife it supports. This data will inform planting strategies to establish a connected aspen network. The resulting conservation blueprint could serve as a model for protecting aspen trees across Scotland.

Head of conservation for the Cairngorms National Park Authority, Sarah Henshall, said: “Aspen is a priority species in Cairngorms National Park and hugely important resource for rare and threatened wildlife.

“Aspen also makes a significant contribution towards healthy and resilient nature networks in the National Park.”

Future plans include involving volunteers in the rewilding efforts, fostering broader community engagement in restoring this vital species to the Scottish landscape.

 

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