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Scotland's Native Trees and Shrubs
The Caledonian Pinewoods
Scotland's most illustrious native species is, of course, the Scot's pine and in particular the sub-species ' Scotica' or Ancient Caledonian Pine. The remaining, original native pinewood habitats are among the least modified woodlands in Britain. Many of the individual trees in those woodlands have descended generation by generation by natural means, providing an unbroken link with the original post-glacial forests. These ancient woodlands form an irreplaceable community of adapted genetic stock of plants and animals. This is vitally important from a scientific standpoint but perhaps more importantly to the average person, these old woodlands are just magical places in which to spend time.
For these reasons, in 1992 the remaining woodlands were listed in the European Community Council Directive 92/43 as Priority British Vegetation Types in Danger of Disappearance. The Forestry Commission has subsequently issued guidelines for the management of native pinewoods ('Forestry Commission Practice Guide No. 7') and maintain a Caledonian Pinewoods Inventory of genetically viable native pinewoods. It also maintains a Register of Native Scots Pine Seed Collection Areas based on population differences identified by bio-chemical research so that the resulting seed or young trees can be sown or planted in the appropriate area.
The Scottish Executive's policy states that, 'where Scots pine are to be planted within a designated Caledonian Pine Zone their seed origin shall be in accordance with the biochemical regions described in the Caledonian Pinewood Inventory' CEL:LFN.
The capercaillie was once common in Scotland. It became rare as the pine forests disappeared and finally became extinct as the last one was shot in 1785. It was reintroduced to the Caledonian pine forests in Queen Victoria's reign where it remains to this day. This bird is part of the magic and mystery of old Caledonian pine woods.
SNH by L Gill
Some of Scotland's native trees are more than 350 years old and their ancestral roots date back 8,000 years. Careful consideration is required before any old trees are felled.
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