Locally sourced seeds supporting woodland restoration in the Angus Glens
Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) is sowing the seeds for successful montane scrub restoration in the Angus Glens.
Three new conservation seed orchards have been created to ensure new trees planted in the high parts of the glens will be from stock that has originated from the area.
The local seed provenance – a reference to the original geographic location where the parent plants grow and the seeds were collected – will mean the next generation of trees will have genetics adapted to the local environmental conditions.
FLS Environment Forester Gareth Ventress said:
“Plants grown from seed collected over the last few years – with NatureScot permission – from Corrie Fee National Nature Reserve have now been planted out creating seed orchards for our future montane scrub projects in the Angus Glens.
“The seedlings include rare downy willow (Salix lapponum), dark-leaved willow (Salix myrsinifolia) and woolly willow (Salix lanata).
“These seed orchards should produce viable seed in the next couple of years to be grown on and provide suitable planting stock to increase populations. They will also help ensure that trees are suited to local conditions and capable of adapting to future environmental changes driven by a shifting climate.”
The locally sourced and grown willow species will enhance, protect, and expand the existing montane scrub in high mountain crag zones across the Angus Glens and surrounding open habitats.
Gareth added:
“Montane scrub is now very rare but was once a far more widespread across Scotland creating a natural transition from the upper treeline and the alpine zone.
“A number of species will benefit from the variety of habitat conditions created by the montane willows. The willows diversify the structure of the windswept high places, create shade, shelter and humidity for a variety of invertebrates, birds and plants that would otherwise be too exposed.”
FLS work in the Angus Glens aims to expand native woodlands through all the natural altitudinal zones, improve rivers and peatlands, and support a diverse range of plant and animal species. It also focuses on strengthening climate resilience and delivering benefits for people through education, responsible recreation, and positive impacts on local communities and the economy.
Learn more about what FLS is doing across the Angus Glens: Angus Glens Programme
Notes to editors
- Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) manages forests and land owned by Scottish Ministers in a way that supports and enables economically sustainable forestry; conserves and enhances the environment; delivers benefits for people and nature; and supports Scottish Ministers in their stewardship of Scotland's national forests and land.
- Media enquiries to media@forestryandland.gov.scot