Loch Ness may be famous for the creatures that may or may not lie within its murky depths, but there’s more to it than just its myths. It’s surrounded by some of the most gorgeous scenery in the entire UK, including one nearby forest which is being awarded a special status by the European Forest Genetic Resources Network (EUFORGEN).
The forest is part of the Dundreggan rewilding centre, which is managed by the local charity Trees For Life, and is home to a diverse range of tree species including rare junipers and silver birches. A representative from Trees for Life told BBC News that the ‘unusually wet location’ of the forest, paired with its ‘extreme westerly location’ make it the perfect environment for a range of uncommon greenery.
Because of its unusual woodland makeup, certain parts of the forest are now classed as ‘Gene Conservation Units’ by EUFOGEN. This means the team at the highland reserve have to work to protect the variety of trees there, which are specific to the specific environment that they’ve grown in. Tom Sim, an expert at Forest Research, explained to the BBC that ‘the juniper and silver birch at Dundreggan… [have] likely adapted to local conditions over many generations.’
Although you may think a tree is just a tree, genetics can vary massively. Just like any other species, no two will be the exact same, but according to Trees for Life, the more ‘genetic diversity there is, the more chance they have of long-term survival’. That means it’s extra important to foster the unique greenery in Dundreggan.
Trees for Life will now work to further ensure the future of the birch trees and juniper shrubs in the area. Their job is to keep them alive and well without getting too involved; they don’t want the forest to become too reliant on humans.
You can visit the rewilding centre free of charge, and it even has a café so you can make a day of it. You can bring your dogs and hike through the gorgeous highland scenery seven days a week – just make sure to respect the trees.
One of the most beautiful nature reserves in Britain is just two hours from London.
One of Europe’s rarest birds is now breeding in the UK.
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