Achi news desk-
Thirty-five young elm trees have been transferred from the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) and replanted in the shade of the venerable tree.
These will be the first of 200 trees planted over the next two years, part of a joint effort between the Gardens and the University of the Highlands and Islands together with landowners such as Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) to save the species from Dutch elm disease.
The project involves growing disease-resistant seedlings and then planting them in suitable sites – of which Glen Affric is one.
It is hoped that cross-pollination between the seedlings – and perhaps even with the mature elm itself – will help restore, from decades of loss, one of Scotland’s most majestic native trees.
FLS Forester Sam Brown said: “After living hidden, many miles from the nearest tree of the same species, the old elm of Glen Affric has escaped the ravages of Dutch elm disease. It is fitting that this site has been chosen as part of the efforts to save the broadleaf elm.
“Glen Affric also benefits from ongoing conservation efforts between FLS and our partners that include managing deer populations. By limiting or eliminating the chance of deer damage to the young trees we can give them a better chance of survival.
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“Our local FLS teams – specifically the craftsman squad – have worked very hard in all weathers, on difficult terrain to install a fenced enclosure which has made the project possible.
“Many of Scotland’s most threatened species can be found on our land in our woodlands and we are committed to working with partner organizations to protect and tackle the things that threaten them. ”
Dr Max Coleman of the Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh explained: “Using surviving large broadleaf elms on the Scottish Borders, which have been susceptible to Dutch elm disease for around 40 years, we have raised a new generation of seedlings which we hope who have inherited disease resistance from them. both parents.
“The offspring of these rare, promising trees are planted in carefully selected sites that meet their needs and offer potential for natural spread. This work helps to form new populations of wild elms that have the genes and genetic diversity we hope enable survival and adaptation in a changing environment.”
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FLS Seed Resources Manager Kenny Hay added: “With the planting work that has been done in conjunction with RBGE, it gives us great hope that we will be able to harvest valuable seeds that could be resistant to Dutch Elm Disease and allow for us to use this rare species in a much wider context across the FLS estate in the future.”
The restoration of the broadleaf elm is part of a project which aims to increase the numbers and distribution of ten threatened native plants and is funded by a three-year grant worth a total of £715,000 from the Scottish Government’s Nature Restoration Fund.
