Forest Archives - Page 4 of 6

Planting Scotland’s Wee Trees

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Dec 132013

With thanks to Richard Bunting.

A group of hardy volunteers braved the cold and ventured to Coire Sneachdta, in Glen Affric National Nature Reserve, to take part in conservation charity Trees for Life’s ‘wee trees’ planting day on 27 November.
This project was made possible thanks to a grant through the CSV Action Earth scheme, which supports volunteers across Scotland in making a positive difference to their local environment.

As part of this year’s CSV Action Earth campaign, Scottish Natural Heritage has supported more than 170 projects – including Trees for Life – with grants aimed at groups helping and encouraging volunteering through practical environment projects.

Project Coordinator for Trees for Life, Mick Drury, said:

“We were pleased to welcome so many people along on the tree planting day, to help us plant 150 dwarf birch and 300 willow cuttings. It really was all about the volunteers, from those who grew and nurtured the seedlings in the nursery, to those who dug deep and planted the trees themselves.

“Thanks to CSV Action Earth and Scottish Natural Heritage, we’ve been able to buy the tools needed to carry out this vital project, which will shape the future of Scotland’s mountain woodland. We were delighted to team up once again with Forestry Commission Scotland, which manages the site, to deliver this project with a great result.”

To find out more about how to get involved with the work of Trees for Life, visit www.treesforlife.org.uk or call 0845 458 3505.

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TV Vote Success For Caledonian Forest Training Project

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Dec 062013

With thanks to Richard Bunting.

On 29th November, the conservation charity Trees for Life celebrated the announcement that it has won £50,000 of Lottery funding for a pioneering project to help restore Scotland’s ancient Caledonian Forest and protect its rare wildlife from extinction.

The conservation charity’s plan to create a new volunteer training programme at its Dundreggan Conservation Estate near Loch Ness, which will benefit hundreds of disadvantaged people from the Inverness region, was successful in the recent finals of the People’s Millions public vote.

Speaking after the announcement last Friday Alan Watson Featherstone, Trees for Life’s Executive Director, said:

“This is fantastic news for our work to save the Caledonian Forest and its unique wildlife and for the hundreds of people every year who will be able to join our training programme – transforming their own lives as they help to restore the forest.

“I would like to thank every single person who voted for us in the People’s Millions yesterday.”

The Trees for Life training project is about people and places. In particular, it will benefit people from diverse backgrounds and those with limited access to healthy outdoor activities and training opportunities.

Disadvantaged people – including those on low incomes or who are unemployed from the rural region around Inverness and from deprived urban areas in Inverness – will be able to learn about threatened habitats and species and gain health benefits from volunteering in green places.

Activities will include planting trees and wild flowers, collecting seeds for propagating rare species, and growing trees and plants in a tree nursery. The project will be accessible for older people and those with limited mobility, or affected by mental health issues, and accredited training for leading volunteer groups will also be on offer.

The People’s Millions, in which the public decide which local community projects will receive Lottery funding, is a partnership between the Big Lottery Fund and ITV and voting took place all day on 29th November with the results being broadcast by STV North in the evening.

Dundreggan, which is in Glen Moriston, Inverness-shire, has been described as a Highlands ‘lost world’ and, so far, almost 70 priority species for conservation, including several species never recorded in the UK before, have been discovered there.

The award-winning Trees for Life charity has planted more than one million trees at dozens of sites in the Highlands and has pledged to establish one million more trees by planting and natural regeneration by 2018.

For further details, please visit www.treesforlife.org.uk or call 0845 458 3505.

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Televised Vote For Pioneering Conservation Project

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Nov 252013

With thanks to Richard Bunting.

Trees for Life is urging people to help it win £50,000 of Lottery funding in a televised public vote on Thursday 28 November, to help restore Scotland’s ancient Caledonian Forest and protect its rare wildlife from extinction, while benefitting hundreds of disadvantaged people.

The conservation charity is a finalist in the People’s Millions – a partnership between the Big Lottery Fund and ITV, in which the public decide which local community projects will receive Lottery funding – for its plan to establish a pioneering volunteer training programme at its Dundreggan Conservation Estate near Loch Ness.

“We are asking people to vote for us on 28 November. Our People’s Millions project is about people and places. It’s about saving the UK’s equivalent of a rainforest and all its species from being lost forever, for our children and grandchildren to enjoy – and it’s about helping to improve the lives of hundreds of people every year,” said Trees for Life’s Executive Director Alan Watson Featherstone.

Success in the vote will allow Trees for Life to offer training in forest restoration to people from diverse backgrounds and those with limited access to healthy outdoor activities and training opportunities.

Disadvantaged people – including those on low incomes or who are unemployed – will be able learn about threatened habitats and species, and to gain health benefits from volunteering in green places.

Activities will include planting trees and wild flowers, collecting seeds for propagating rare species, and growing trees and plants in a tree nursery. The project will be accessible for older people and those with limited mobility or affected by mental health issues. Accredited training for leading volunteer groups will also be on offer.

The People’s Millions vote will be by phone all day on 28 November, from 9am to midnight, with a STV North programme broadcast that evening. The telephone number to call will be announced on the day, including on www.treesforlife.org.uk. Up to 10 calls can be made from each phone, at a cost of 11p from a landline.

Dundreggan in Glen Moriston, Inverness-shire, has been described as a Highlands “lost world”. So far almost 70 priority species for conservation, including several species never recorded in the UK before, have been discovered there.

Trees for Life has planted more than one million trees at dozens of sites in the Highlands. It has pledged to establish one million more trees by planting and natural regeneration by 2018.

The People’s Millions is a partnership between the Big Lottery Fund and ITV. For more details, visit www.treesforlife.org.uk/peoplesmillions or call 0845 458 3505.

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Biodiversity Weekend At Highlands Conservation Estate

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Jul 052013

With thanks to Trees For Life.

Conservation charity Trees for Life is holding a special Biodiversity Weekend at its acclaimed Dundreggan Conservation Estate in Glen Moriston on 13 and 14 July.
This event offers people the chance to explore this biodiversity hotspot and to discover the rare and wonderful wildlife of the Caledonian Forest in 2013, the Year of Natural Scotland.

The event is part of the British Ecological Society’s centenary Festival of Ecology and also celebrates five years of conservation action at Dundreggan, Trees for Life’s flagship forest restoration project which lies to the west of Loch Ness.

Alan Watson Featherstone, Trees for Life’s Executive Director, said:

“The weekend will be an inspiring opportunity to get close to nature and to learn more about the Caledonian Forest and its wildlife. A full programme of activities will allow people to see first hand just how much is being achieved at Dundreggan thanks to the support of our volunteers and generous donors.”

On Saturday 13 July, invited guests will be able to visit to Trees for Life’s new tree nursery, tour a newly-planted native woodland at Allt Fearna, and plant their own tree.

From 10.30 am – 5.00 pm on Sunday 14 July, a free entry Biodiversity Open Day will include wild life tracking, a visit to montane woodlands and opportunities to feed wild boar. Guests will be able to explore Dundreggan from riverbank to mountaintop on guided nature walks, or simply enjoy the beautiful ancient woodlands.

Organisations including the SWT and Aigas Field Centre will be attending, and the day will also include the launch of the Mountain Woodland Project in partnership with Highland Birchwoods.

Dundreggan is gaining an international reputation for its remarkable biodiversity and has been described as a Highlands ‘lost world’. Surveys last year revealed eight species never recorded before in the UK, adding to many rare and endangered species recently discovered on the estate – some previously unknown in Scotland or feared extinct there.

At least 67 priority species for conservation and more than 2,800 species in total have now been identified on the 10,000-acre site.

Trees for Life is planting half a million trees on the estate as well as working for the return of rare woodland wildlife, plants and insects, restoring other natural habitats and conducting scientific research and education programmes.

The British Ecological Society, the UK’s academic learned society supporting the science of ecology, is supporting the event. During 2013, the society is celebrating its centenary with a series of events, conferences and publications to increase the profile of ecological science among scientists and the public.

Its Festival of Ecology, a nationwide celebration of ecological science with over 60 participating institutions across the UK, runs from 15 June – 4 August. For details see www.festivalofecology.org.

Professor Georgina Mace FRS, British Ecological Society President said:

“We are delighted to be working with Trees for Life in celebrating our centenary year.This event is part of our Festival of Ecology through which we hope visitors will learn more about the science of ecology and how relevant and fascinating this science is to understanding the challenges we face in the world today.”

Trees for Life, Scotland’s leading conservation volunteering charity, is restoring the Caledonian Forest to a spectacular wilderness region of 1,000 square miles in the Highlands to the west of Loch Ness and Inverness. Only a fraction of the former forest now survives, but the award-winning charity has planted more than one million trees at dozens of locations, and has created 10,000 acres of new forest.

For details about the Biodiversity Weekend, contact Fiona Limbrey on 0845 458 3505 or email fiona@treesforlife.org.uk.

Rare Highland Birds In Spotlight For Conservation Week

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Apr 152013

With thanks to Richard Bunting.

Conservation charity Trees for Life is running a new ‘Iconic Birds of the Highlands’ Conservation Week from 25 May to 1 June 2013.
The programme of events offers people the chance to see and learn about the area’s magnificent and rare bird species, and to take part in hands-on habitat restoration work.

Highlights include a day trip to the Isle of Skye to see white-tailed eagles, the UK’s largest bird of prey, and to discover more about the programme that has successfully reintroduced these stunning birds to Scotland’s west and east coasts.

World-famous ornithologist and raptor expert Roy Dennis of BBC Springwatch fame will lead a guided walk at the biodiversity hotspot of Dundreggan near Loch Ness, and will discuss his pioneering osprey and sea eagle projects.

A trip to the world-famous viewing site at Loch Garten will offer the opportunity of fabulous close-up views of nesting ospreys, while a day’s birding with a local expert will include the chance to spot species such as Scottish crossbills and crested tits. There will be an early morning trip to the RSPB’s Corrimony Nature Reserve near Glen Affric to see a spectacular black grouse lek, and a warden from RSPB Corrimony will offer insights into capercaillie and black grouse management.

Alan Watson Featherstone, Trees for Life’s Executive Director, said:

“The week offers people the chance to see and learn more about the world-class birdlife that inhabits the Highlands, while taking direct conservation action to help restore the habitats of these remarkable species. It will be an inspiring and positive way to spend a week during the Year of Natural Scotland.”

In September 2013, Trees for Life will also run two Conservation Weeks at Corrimony, where the charity is working with the RSPB to restore CaledonianForest and wetland to an area of former conifer plantation. This activity is benefitting a wide range of native birds and other wildlife, and provides an opportunity to observe rare birds in their natural setting.

Trees for Life is Scotland’s leading conservation volunteering charity. Its award-winning Conservation Weeks allow people from varied backgrounds, abilities and experience to help restore the Caledonian Forest to a spectacular wilderness region of 1,000 square miles in the Highlands to the west of Loch Ness and Inverness.

Volunteers must be aged over 18 years old and have reasonable fitness. Weeks in the charity’s tree nursery offer a gentler option.

The ‘Iconic Birds of the Highlands’ week costs £250 or £180 for concessions, all inclusive. For more details, visit www.treesforlife.org.uk, or contact Becky on 01309 691444 or becky@treesforlife.org.uk.

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Buckingham Palace Reception For Trees For Life

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Mar 292013

Trees for Life’s creation of a Diamond Wood in Inverness-shire to celebrate The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012 has been recognised at a Buckingham Palace reception this week (27 March), hosted by HRH The Princess Royal. With thanks to Richard Bunting.

The event recognised the creation of 60 new Diamond Woods across the UK, each at least 60 acres in size, to symbolise the Queen’s 60-year reign.

As part of this tree planting campaign, Trees for Life planted a new 60-acre Jubilee woodland of native trees at its Dundreggan Estate, to the west of Loch Ness in Glen Moriston.

Two million trees have been planted across Scotland in a range of locations during this project, which was organised by The Woodland Trust.

Princess Anne planted the Jubilee Woods project’s six millionth tree in London yesterday.

Alan Watson Featherstone, Trees for Life’s Executive Director, said:

“As part of a renewed CaledonianForest in the Highlands, our Diamond Wood at Dundreggan is a truly positive tribute to Her Majesty The Queen – one that will be enjoyed by future generations and will provide an important habitat for wildlife. The Jubilee Woods project is an inspiring example of how people can come together and make a real difference to our environment, and we’re proud to have been involved.”

Trees for Life was represented at Buckingham Palace by its Executive Director Alan Watson Featherstone; acclaimed wildlife cameraman and filmmaker Gordon Buchanan, who recently became a patron for the charity; Rosalind Grant-Robertson, who generously supported Tees for Life’s purchase of Dundreggan; and Steve Morris, Operations Manager for Dundreggan.

The conservation charity’s work at Dundreggan is part of its award-winning restoration of Scotland’s ancient CaledonianForest to a spectacular wilderness region of 1,000 square miles to the west of Loch Ness and Inverness.

Although only a fraction of the original forest survives, Trees for Life has now created almost 10,000 acres of new CaledonianForest at 45 different locations in the Highlands. It has planted more than one million trees, with a million more pledged for the next five years.

People can support Trees for Life’s work by purchasing dedicated trees to celebrate special occasions. The charity’s acclaimed volunteer Conservation Weeks and Conservation Days offer opportunities to gain practical conservation experience in spectacular surroundings. For details, see www.treesforlife.org.uk or call 0845 458 3505.

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International Day Of Forests

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Mar 212013

With thanks to Richard Bunting.

Conservation charity Trees for Life has welcomed the first United Nations International Day of Forests with a call for more people to get involved in helping to create a renaissance for Scotland’s beleaguered forests.

The UN General Assembly has proclaimed 21 March to be the International Day of Forests – a day to celebrate and raise awareness of the importance of forests and trees for all life on earth.

Across Scotland, forest restoration efforts are bringing new or renewed life to many ancient native woodlands, from Rassal Ashwood in Wester Ross to the Carrifran Wildwood in Dumfries and Galloway, and from the Loch Sunart Oakwoods in Lochaber to Abernethy and Glenfeshie in the Cairngorms National Park.

Yet with increasing concerns about climate change, deforestation and biodiversity loss – as well as tree diseases such as ash dieback and Dothistroma Needle Blight, which is a potential threat to the iconic Scots pine – the need for concerted action to conserve and regenerate Scotland’s native woodlands is more important than ever before.

Alan Watson Featherstone, Trees for Life’s Executive Director, said:

“There are signs of hope for woodlands throughout Scotland, but we urgently need more people to help make a difference now – the future of Scotland’s forests is literally in our hands. We are the last generation with the opportunity to save the CaledonianForest, for example, as many of the remnants of this Scottish equivalent of the rainforests are in terminal decline.

“Fortunately projects such as ours provide an inspiring and practical way for people from all walks of life to help make a personal and positive difference – to help restore natural wonders such as the CaledonianForest and to reverse the global trend of deforestation.”

For 2013, the Year of Natural Scotland, Trees for Life is:

Working to double its rate of restoration work in the Caledonian Forest.
Running a Million More Trees campaign – an ambitious bid to establish a further million trees by planting and natural regeneration by 2017.
Expanding its acclaimed Conservation Weeks, offering more opportunities for people to make a personal contribution to the environment and to gain hands-on conservation experience. The weeks are being held in eight locations across the Highlands, in a longer season than ever before that has begun this week and runs until November.
Launching Wildlife Weeks for conservation volunteers who want to spend extra time learning about and observing the CaledonianForest’s remarkable wildlife.
Running fortnightly Conservation Days, for local people to take practical action.
Enabling disadvantaged volunteers from diverse backgrounds, including older people and those who are unemployed or on low incomes, to help directly in forest restoration work – an initiative made possible by a £45,900 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Following a long history of deforestation, some 150 years ago the Caledonian Forest reached a critical point of no return. Since then, with too few remaining trees and too many deer eating all the seedlings that germinate, young trees have struggled to get established. This has left ‘geriatric’ forests made up of old trees at the end of their lives, with no new ones growing to replace them.

Today, only a fraction of the former Caledonian Forest survives, with its native pinewoods reduced to 35 isolated remnants. However, Trees for Life is restoring the forest to a wilderness region of 1,000 square miles in the Highlands to the west of Loch Ness and Inverness.

Volunteers from the award-winning charity have helped to plant more than one million trees at dozens of locations, and to create 10,000 acres of new forest. Amongst these emerging forests, a complex web of life is renewing itself. Habitat restoration is making a big difference to the wildlife of the Caledonian Forest, which includes the strawberry spider, wood ants, red squirrels, rare sawflies, ospreys and capercaillies.

For more details, see www.treesforlife.org.uk or call 0845 458 3505.

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TFL Celebrates Support For Disadvantaged Volunteers

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Mar 142013

Trees for Life volunteer with juniper seedling Dundreggan 2

With thanks to Richard Bunting.

Conservation charity Trees for Life has received a grant of £45,900 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for the training of disadvantaged conservation volunteers in the Scottish Highlands.

The funding will enable volunteers from diverse backgrounds, including older people and those who are unemployed or on low incomes, to help directly in the restoration of Scotland’s ancient Caledonian Forest in stunning locations such as Glen Affric and Glen Moriston.

Volunteers, who otherwise might not get the chance to do so, will be able to take practical action to protect the natural environment, learn about threatened habitats and species, and benefit from time spent in green places and activities that are good for mental and physical health.

Alan Watson Featherstone, Trees for Life’s Executive Director, said:

“This Heritage Lottery Fund grant is great news for the Caledonian Forest and for local communities, as it will allow disadvantaged volunteers to help save Scotland’s equivalent of a rainforest and its unique wildlife. By doing so, they will develop new skills and gain a rewarding experience from spending time outdoors in the inspirational wild landscapes of the Highlands.”

Colin McLean, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund in Scotland, said:

“In what is the Year of Natural Scotland, this is a great opportunity for people, who would not normally have the chance, to visit the countryside to learn new skills and gain a better understanding of our natural environment. By encouraging more people to experience nature first-hand, hopefully we are inspiring their enthusiasm for its long-term conservation while having fun along the way.”

Activities will include hands on conservation work in breathtaking locations surrounded by mountains, forest and rivers – including tree planting and protection, and work in Trees for Life’s tree nursery at its acclaimed Dundreggan Estate, a biodiversity hotspot situated to the west of Loch Ness.

Although only a fraction of the former CaledonianForest now survives, Trees for Life volunteers have helped to plant more than one million trees at dozens of locations, and to create 10,000 acres of new forest. The award-winning charity is restoring the forest to a spectacular wilderness region of 1,000 square miles in the Highlands to the west of Loch Ness and Inverness. For more details, see www.treesforlife.org.uk or call 0845 458 3505.

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Trees For Life Announce Volunteering Opportunities

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Feb 212013

With thanks to Richard Bunting.

The conservation charity Trees for Life has announced details of its Conservation Weeks for 2013, the Year of Natural Scotland.

It is offering people the opportunity to make a positive difference to the environment, whilst experiencing an unforgettable visit to the Scottish Highlands.

Alan Watson Featherstone, who is Trees for Life Executive Director, said:

“The Year of Natural Scotland is the perfect time to enjoy Nature and wild Scotland, and to take action to restore the Caledonian Forest and its unique wildlife. Our 2013 Conservation Weeks offer an inspiring ‘hands on’ conservation experience in breathtaking Highlands scenery of mountains, forest and rivers.”

Trees for Life is restoring the Caledonian Forest to a spectacular wilderness region of 1,000 square miles in the Highlands, west of Loch Ness and Inverness.

The award-winning weeks will allow people from all sorts of backgrounds to help in the restoration of Scotland’s equivalent of a rainforest. There are Conservation Weeks at eight locations in the Highlands between mid-March and November.

To mark the Year of Natural Scotland, Trees for Life is introducing new Wildlife Weeks for conservation volunteers who also want to spend extra time learning about and observing the Caledonian Forest’s outstanding wildlife.

These specially-designed Weeks include day trips to the Isle of Skye to see white-tailed eagles, the third largest eagle in the world; to Aigas Field Centre at Beauly, Inverness-shire to see the beavers living on the loch; and the opportunity to feed wild boar at Trees for Life’s Dundreggan Estate in Glen Moriston, to the west of Loch Ness.

The Conservation Weeks suit all abilities and anyone over eighteen can take part. There’s no upper age limit, but the work can be physically demanding, so volunteers need a reasonable level of fitness. Special weeks concentrating on work in the charity’s tree nursery at its Dundreggan Estate offer a gentler but equally important option.

Sarah Macavoy, who volunteered with Trees for Life at Corrimony, said:

“The week inspired me in that, even though there are a lot of problems in the world, people can make a difference. Volunteering is about getting out there and doing something to make a positive impact with other like-minded people.”

Natalie Allain, who volunteered in Glen Affric, said:

“My experience volunteering with Trees for Life was nothing but positive. I came away with a new love for the Scottish Highlands, a heightened respect for the majesty of trees and some great new friends!”

The charity has just produced a new film that shows what its volunteers have achieved, and how the long decline of the Caledonian Forest is being reversed through their work.

Although only a fraction of the former Caledonian Forest now survives, volunteers with Trees for Life have helped to plant more than one million trees at dozens of locations, and to create 10,000 acres of new forest.

“We have pledged to establish one million more trees by planting and natural regeneration within the next five years. Every volunteer who takes part in our Conservation Weeks will be helping to achieve something very special,” said Alan Watson Featherstone.

BBC Wildlife Magazine has voted Trees for Life’s Conservation Weeks as one of the Top 10 Conservation Holidays in the World.
For more details, see www.treesforlife.org.uk or call 0845 458 3505.

Further information

Since planting its first trees in 1991 in Glen Affric, Trees for Life has planted over one million trees and has created 10,000 acres of new Caledonian Forest. Its awards include 1991 UK Conservation Project of the Year, Millennium Marque in 2000, Top 10 Conservation Holidays worldwide in 2009, and 2012 Glenfiddich Spirit of Scotland Environment Award.

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Distilleries Act To Restore Caledonian Forest

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Feb 022013

Staff from six Moray distilleries are helping to bring Scotland’s ancient Caledonian Forest back from the brink by taking up life memberships of conservation charity Trees for Life. With thanks to Richard Bunting.

Representatives from Speyside East distilleries, run by drinks company Diageo, received life memberships from Trees for Life’s Executive Director Alan Watson Featherstone at an event at Drummuir Castle.
Matthew Desmond, who works at Mortlach Distillery near Dufftown, developed the scheme to promote the importance of a healthy environment for the Scotch whisky industry.

He involved colleagues from neighbouring distilleries, and funded the life memberships through a £1,500 personal donation to Trees for Life.

Diageo matched Matthew’s donation with a further £1,500. Matthew said:-

“We are really proud to be supporting Trees for Life’s restoration of the Caledonian Forest. A healthy environment benefits everyone, and my colleagues and I were keen to play our part in helping to bring new life to the stunning wild landscapes of the Highlands,”

Alan Watson Featherstone said:

“I’d like to thank Matthew and his colleagues for their inspiring action. At Trees for Life, we depend on the support of our members to fund our vital conservation work. Members make a real difference to our project to restore Scotland’s equivalent of a rainforest and to create a brighter future for the special wildlife of the Highlands.”

Only a fraction of the former Caledonian Forest now survives, but Trees for Life has planted more than one million trees at dozens of locations, and has created 10,000 acres of new forest. It has pledged to establish one million more trees by planting and natural regeneration within the next five years. Almost all of the charity’s practical conservation work is carried out by volunteers.

People can support Trees for Life by becoming members and by funding dedicated trees and groves. The charity’s Conservation Weeks allow people to gain practical conservation experience in beautiful locations. For more details, see www.treesforlife.org.uk or call 0845 458 3505.

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