All allowed adequate rooting, although the bark compost was probably slightly less satisfactory and peat based composts are less desirable for environmental reasons. Some use wind or water, some use explosive force, and some hitch a ride on passing animals. Eucalyptus might be the favourite of koalas in its native Australia, but in the UK it’s insects which are drawn to its rich oil. Trees woods and wildlife. Flowering of aspen is known to occur irregularly, and we have built up records of this at some sites during the past two decades. Also known as the pussy willow, the male catkins of the goat willow look like a cat’s paws. These long-lived giants, with their prickly-husks and deeply grooved bark, give us our classic Christmas nut. Registered in England No. This, in turn, should help to facilitate pollination and seed production when the trees reach reproductive age. As aspen naturally spread by sending new shoots, called ‘suckers’, up from their root system, we can encourage this suckering by bringing root cuttings into a polytunnel in early spring, and then harvest the shoots as they come up, rooting each cutting individually using a mist propagation unit. Kinds of Aspen Trees. As a hybrid of American sycamore and Oriental plane, it was first discovered in the 17th century then widely planted in the 18th. Despite some initial problems with removing the tape when the plants started growing, the grafting trial here has been a great success with 84% success rate, and the plants grew prolifically in the polytunnel, so much so that they had to be cut back before being moved outside for hardening up later in the year. Record data, noting the most productive clones, for future reference. Wild cherry , one of the prettiest native trees, is relished by gardeners and wildlife. White poplar might not be native, but it is naturalised in the UK. Find out more about one of the most majestic of all planted trees. Record activity so that the site is not stressed by over-collection in subsequent years. Trembling, fluttering and shimmering in the slightest breeze. Roots were initially collected from a few sites in Glen Affric, and propagation trials were on a small scale, until the technique had been mastered. Aspen trees are ecologically important trees and native to the UK, especially on poor, damp soils. Distinctive and spiky, the monkey puzzle has been making strong impressions since dinosaurs roamed the earth. Tall ornamental with feathery foliage. The timber is so hard, it was used for crucifixes. Aspen is one of the lesser-known tree species in the Caledonian Forest. Introduced over 400 years ago, it’s a favourite with squirrels, birds and moths alike. Charming, sturdy, pollinator-magnet. Aspen. Strong, neat and bendy, osier willow is the best of the best for basket weaving. If seed can be obtained from such orchards, it is hoped that trees propagated from them will be abundant and inexpensive, thereby dramatically increasing the availability of young aspen for native woodland planting schemes. This can then be repeatedly subdivided, cloning many genetically identical plants. Though less useful than our native trees, it provides food and shelter for wildlife. Detach the root and cut into sections of approximately 30 cm in length. (For example. Monumental, majestic, home to rare wildlife. Imposing, elegant, rare. Our intention with this work is to ensure that successful regeneration takes place in as many stands as possible, and also to extend the aspen stands. It supports more life than any other native tree species in the UK; even its fallen leaves support biodiversity. Remove lower leaves from the cutting and re-cut if necessary to provide a clean cut below a leaf node. To ensure that the local provenance of aspen is maintained, only young trees grown from parent stands within a particular glen, such as Glen Affric for example, will be used for planting out in that glen. Understated until the colder months when it bursts into colour, dogwood is a broadleaf shrub which thrives in damp woodland edges. Label carefully with site name or reference number and date collected. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Aspen is a fast growing, small tree with a maximum height of 65ft (20m). In many cases the aspens that do survive are growing in difficult and inaccessible locations, such as the edge of cliffs or in steep rocky gullies. It is typically found in oak or birch woodland. Introduced by the Romans and a roasted winter treat. Hazel is one of the most useful trees for its bendy stems and as a conservation saviour. It’s less valuable to wildlife, but much faster growing and a host of the knopper oak gall wasp. It is one of only three native conifers, and our only native pine. Look for them in hedges and woodland edges, with full bloom in the spring and heavy with berries in the autumn. A mutant favourite with wildlife, the Irish yew is thought to have developed from the common yew.