Only one surviving example of true montane woodland habitat is recognised in Scotland – at Creag Fhiaclach on the western side of the Cairngorms. The precariousness of the remaining fragments of montane woodland was recognised at Ben Lawers over 30 years ago. Here, pioneering work was undertaken and continues today to propagate and plant out montane woodland species within fenced exclosures. This both protects trees from browsing and reinforces existing populations, allowing them to regenerate naturally and expand. The success of this work gives an indication of how Scottish mountainsides could look and is well worth a visit. Since then the Mountain Woodland Action Group has brought together expertise in the field of montane woodlands and has been a pioneering force in montane woodland restoration. Increasing concern about the future of relict montane woodland habitat in Scotland has resulted in further sites initiating conservation work to protect and enhance montane woodland species, such as Carrifran in the Borders and Coire Fee in the Angus glens.
South-west Norway supports spectacular high-altitude montane woodlands. This habitat is all but missing from Scotland, mainly due to a history of heavy grazing. Can positive conservation work transform the bare hillsides of the Scottish uplands?
Only one surviving example of true montane woodland habitat is recognised in Scotland – at Creag Fhiaclach on the western side of the Cairngorms. The precariousness of the remaining fragments of montane woodland was recognised at Ben Lawers over 30 years ago. Here, pioneering work was undertaken and continues today to propagate and plant out montane woodland species within fenced exclosures. This both protects trees from browsing and reinforces existing populations, allowing them to regenerate naturally and expand. The success of this work gives an indication of how Scottish mountainsides could look and is well worth a visit. Since then the Mountain Woodland Action Group has brought together expertise in the field of montane woodlands and has been a pioneering force in montane woodland restoration. Increasing concern about the future of relict montane woodland habitat in Scotland has resulted in further sites initiating conservation work to protect and enhance montane woodland species, such as Carrifran in the Borders and Coire Fee in the Angus glens.
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