Former Scotland Tree of the Year - “Last Ent of Affric” - playing a role in saving its species - Forestry and Land Scotland
An ancient elm tree that has stood alone in the far reaches of Glen Affric for hundreds of years is now the guardian over a new generation of its species.
The wych elm – known as the Last Ent of Affric in homage to the tree-shepherds from Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings story and a former Scottish Tree of the Year – has been chosen to help in the fight against Dutch Elm disease.
Thirty-five young elm trees have been transferred from the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) and replanted in the shadow of the Last Ent of Affric. These will be the first of 200 trees planted over the next two years. It is part of a joint effort between the Gardens and the University of the Highlands and Islands along with landowners like Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) to save the species from Dutch Elm disease.
The project involves cultivating disease resistant seedlings and then planting them at suitable sites – of which Glen Affric is one. It is hoped there will be cross pollination between the seedlings – and maybe even with the mature elm itself – to help in the recovery, from decades of loss, for one of Scotland’s most majestic native trees.
FLS Forester Sam Brown said: “Having lived hidden away, many miles from the closest tree of the same species, the old elm of Glen Affric has escaped the ravages of Dutch Elm disease. It is fitting this site has been chosen as part of efforts to save the wych elm. Glen Affric also benefits from ongoing conservation efforts between FLS and our partners that includes managing deer populations. By limiting or removing the chance of deer damage to the young trees we can give them a better chance of survival."
Posted On: 16/04/2024
More on: