We are delighted to be a part of the Aspen Project at Inverewe in Wester Ross! NTS Inverewe and Coille Alba are collaborating to propagate North West provenance Aspen to create an aspen tree nursery.
Aspens importance for biodiversity has become increasingly recognised. It’s supports many rare animals and plants!
Unfortunately, until recently, aspen has been largely neglected by woodland managers. The distribution and condition of them are poorly known. Very few woods are managed and the supply of local origin planting stock is severely limited by difficulties with propagation.
SO! What we’re currently doing is growing root stock from seed and then carefully grafting cuttings from local aspen trees on to them. They will be grown in a brand new, enormous poly tunnel!
In time the young trees will be planted out across this area, preserving the genetic stock and enhancing biodiversity. ?
If you would like to get involved we’re always looking for volunteers! At the moment we have volunteers from NTS Inverewe, GALE and a student from Gairloch High School! Send us a message or email volunteering@galeteam.co.uk if you’d like to be a part of something BIG!
PS. I went to help out the other day and it’s very therapeutic work and I’m not a gardener in the slightest! No experience necessary ?