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

Trees for Life will plant and dedicate trees in Scotland on your behalf. These trees will grow 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 grow 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. With your gift, you’ll support native trees growing in the Scottish Highlands, creating a home for wildlife and a forest for 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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FAQs: About your tree dedication

What species of trees are you growing?

We support a variety of species native to the Caledonian forest, these include alder, aspen, birch, cherry, hazel, holly, oak, rowan, Scots pine and willow. The Caledonian forest is a rich tapestry of habitats that includes dozens of different tree species. Your support will help us grow saplings from local seed, plant trees, and support natural regeneration.

Can I choose which type of tree to sponsor?

To maximise the impact of your donation we will determine the most appropriate trees for an area. Many factors influence this decision including if there is already a seed source present, the opportunity for natural regeneration, soil type, altitude, the time of year and opportunities for the greatest biodiversity gain. This ensures that each tree has the best chance of thriving and contributing to the ecosystem.

Can I come and plant trees?

While it is not possible for individuals to specifically plant the trees they have sponsored, you are welcome to join one of our Rewilding Weeks. These weeks often include tree planting amongst other conservation activities. Please check the itinerary before booking.

Will the trees be labelled?

To create as natural a forest as possible, we do not label individual trees or place plaques. We aim to encourage natural processes and ensure that the right tree is in the right place.

Visiting

Our Dundreggan Rewilding Centre is a great opportunity for our supporters to see rewilding in action. Dundreggan is home to Caledonian pinewoods and superb birch and juniper woodlands, and with mires, wetlands and wildflower meadows, it is a haven for wildlife. At Dundreggan you can access our trails network to visit examples of both planted and regenerating woodland, as well learning more about the wider rewilding picture.

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Where will my sponsored trees grow?

Currently, trees are being planted, and natural regeneration is being supported, 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)