Less than 2% of the original Caledonian pinewood survive, much of it in scattered fragments.
The Scots pine is the only tree named after Scotland, and only grows naturally in the Scottish Highlands, where it is the largest and longest-lived tree in the Caledonian forest. This remarkable tree forms the “backbone” of the forest ecosystem on which many other species depend. The habitat is globally unique, and one of the richest in Scotland, home to some of Scotland’s most iconic wildlife – including capercaillie, crested tit, red squirrel and wildcat The Scots pine can live for at least 500 years, with those more than three centuries old being known as “Granny pines”. Such ancient trees are very different from the tall, straight Scots pine you might see in a plantation where they are grown for timber – they have many branches, and often lots of dead wood which supports rare insects and other creatures. The Scots pine is a national symbol New figures have shown that Scotland is leading the way when it comes to tree planting in the UK.
In 2022/23, nearly 13,000 hectares of new woodland were created in the UK – with Scotland accounting for 8,200 worth of this. Scotland now consists of over 1,490,000 hectares of woodland area. The SNP Government has taken a number of steps to help meet Scotland’s ambitious target of planting 36 million new trees each year - including the introduction of a £150 million fund to support planting targets and tree nurseries. The SNP has welcomed these figures and highlighted the important role forests play in our climate change ambitions. Commenting, SNP MSP Stuart McMillan said: “Scotland’s forests absorb almost 10% of our gross greenhouse gas emissions – they play a vital role in our journey towards meeting our ambitious climate targets. “Climate change and nature loss are the greatest global threats we face. We can and must start to reverse these threats. Planting more trees, and sustainably managing our forests is one part of the global solution. “The SNP Government is taking real action to reverse climate change – and we will continue to support any measures which protect our planet.” Iain Cameron @theiaincameron
Look what happens to tree regeneration when herbivores are absent or properly managed. This splendid photo inadvertently shows a sad-looking mainland background, bereft of trees. The island, in stark contrast, looks alive and thriving. (Loch Shieldaig: credit Steve Carter) Big oil ‘fully owned the villain role’ in 2023, the hottest year ever recorded. They ‘took the mask off’ as they reneged on climate pledges and doubled down on expansion of planet-heating energy. Fossil fuel companies only care about profits, not climate.
UK consumption of products such as soya, cocoa, palm oil, beef and leather is having an “unsustainable” impact on the world, and contributing particularly highly to deforestation, which contributes 11% of global carbon emissions.
"Could 2024 be the year nature rights enter the political mainstream?" “We are trying to convince people the forest is a living being. Non-indigenous humans see nature as something separate from themselves. They forget we are part of nature.” José Gualinga
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