Give a gift that keeps on growing. Plant a tree.

Trees for Life will plant trees in the Scottish Highlands on your behalf. Your trees will be planted alongside other native trees, and in time will transform open hillsides into healthy young woodland, helping to restore the Caledonian Forest. This rich habitat will support wildlife such as red squirrel, black grouse, capercaillie, pine marten and golden eagle.

Why plant trees?

Help fight the climate crisis

By removing CO2 from the atmosphere and locking it up, trees help to combat climate change. Recent studies have found that trees may be the best way to stabilise our climate.

Preserve native trees

We grow and plant rare and endangered trees such as aspen, dwarf birch and woolly willow. These trees are not usually commercially available because they are hard to propagate and demand is low.

Create wildlife habitat

Trees provide important habitats for wildlife and are fundamental to the survival of many species; wildlife such as the red squirrel, capercaillie, black grouse, otters, osprey, golden eagle and the Scottish crossbill.

Trees bring people together

Your trees will likely be planted by our volunteers, some of whom join us from mental health charities who aim to bring people together in nature to improve wellbeing.

Reduce the impact of wildfires

Scottish hillsides have been ravaged by fires in recent years. Young, healthy forests can help to suppress wildfires and increase the speed of recovery.

Trees maintain local water sources

Trees hold water, prevent flooding, restore underground reservoirs and maintain water vapour in the air, increasing the chance of rainfall and reducing drought and desertification.

Trees clean the air

Humans breathe in oxygen and breathe out carbon dioxide, trees do the reverse – cleaning the air that we breathe. Trees also absorb pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, ammonia, sulphur dioxide and ozone.

Protect endangered wildlife

Species like the red squirrel have found their last stronghold in the Caledonian Forest. Planting trees will help create a stable habitat for the red squirrel and other similar animals.

Create a seed source for the future

Natural regeneration of trees is only possible where a viable seed source remains. Planting in areas without a seed source means the forest will be able to succeed itself once established.

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Tree certificates

Our tree certificates are a wonderful way to mark a special occasion. When you order your gift, a native tree will be planted in the Scottish Highlands, creating a home for wildlife and the forest of the future.
 

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Plant a grove of trees

Demonstrate your commitment to the forest of the future through an online grove. A dedicated webpage with your own words and images, you can share this page with friends and family who can add trees and dedications of their own.

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Find an existing grove

Search for your or someone else’s grove
 

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About your trees

Which types of trees do you plant?

The Caledonian Forest is a rich tapestry which includes over 30 different types of trees. Your tree, will be a sapling grown from locally collected seed and will be one of a number of species we plant such as alder, aspen, birch, bird cherry, hazel, holly, rowan, Scots pine or willow.

Can I choose my tree?

To maximize the impact of your donation we will determine the most appropriate species of tree to plant, depending on the soil, location and time of year.

Can I come and plant my tree(s)?

It is not possible for individuals to plant their own trees, but you are  more than welcome to join one of our Conservation Weeks which often include tree planting amongst other conservation activities.

Will my trees be labelled?

Your trees are being planted as part of our work to restore the Caledonian Forest. To create as natural a forest as possible, we do not label individual trees and we do not allow plaques. Trees are planted sporadically in order to mimic the natural distribution of trees.

Visiting

Under normal circumstances you are very welcome to come and visit the area in which your trees have been planted. However, there is currently no public access to the estate due to the construction of the Rewilding Centre. We would be delighted to welcome you to Dundreggan when the centre opens in early 2023.

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Where will my trees be planted?

Currently, trees are being planted at Dundreggan in our Carn na Caorach exclosure. Once Carn na Caorach is fully planted we will begin planting in new areas of the estate. We are also in discussions with partners about planting on alternative sites. (Image will open full size if clicked)