Why grow trees?

Help fight the climate crisis: By removing CO2 from the atmosphere and locking it up, trees help to combat climate change. Tree planting is a form of climate action!

Help with reforestation and preserve native trees: We grow and support rare and endangered trees at our tree nursery such as aspen, dwarf birch and woolly willow. These trees are not usually commercially available because they are hard to propagate and commercial 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, crested tit, and the Scottish crossbill.

Help with nature preservation and protect endangered wildlife: Species like the red squirrel have found their last stronghold in the Caledonian forest. Expanding woodlands will help create a stable habitat for the red squirrel and other key 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 by itself once established.

Trees bring people together: With your help, we’re restoring healthy woodlands by growing seedlings from local seed, planting trees, and encouraging natural regeneration. Any tree planting will likely be carried out by our volunteers, some of whom join us from other charities with the aim of bringing people together in nature to improve wellbeing.

Reduce the impact of wildfires: Natural regeneration and large scale expansion of native woodlands is urgently needed to build wildfire resistance and resilience in our landscapes.

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.

By sponsoring a tree or starting a grove, what impact will my support have?

The Caledonian forest is a rich tapestry of habitats that includes dozens of different tree species. Your support will help to expand and create native woodlands, and enable us to grow saplings from local seed, plant trees, and support natural regeneration. Supporting reforestation is a great way to engage in environmental stewardship.

Why is supporting natural regeneration important?

Many trees in Scotland never get the chance to reach their full potential due to overgrazing by animals like deer, which find young trees an easy and palatable food source. By managing deer numbers and using fencing, we can give these young trees the opportunity to grow and thrive. Natural regeneration is always the preferred approach over tree planting as ancient woodland fragments and existing woodland can naturally expand and recover. Natural regeneration also helps maintain the local tree genetics that make trees more resilient to disease and climate change.

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.

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.

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.

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 learn more about the wider rewilding picture.