Scotland's Mountain Birch Woodland habitat is functionally extinct, with only isolated patches remaining. This has been caused by human-induced pressure, including changes in land use for agriculture and forestry, hunting of natural predators, and an increase in wild deer populations without natural predators to regulate their numbers. This has led to overgrazing and a lack of natural regeneration of trees. However, a new project aims to bring back this lost habitat by locating and collecting seed from isolated Mountain Birch trees above 600 meters. The project will grow these special trees in a nursery and reintroduce them to Scotland's mountains, mitigating the threats to the habitat.
The project is led by Gus from Reforest in Scot, who has a passion for Scotland's flora and has laid the foundations for the Mountain Birch project. Mountain Birch trees are different from Birch trees found at lower altitudes, as they have evolved genetics that can withstand the harsh conditions of growing on the hills. The trees are multi-stemmed and sprawling, with real character. The project aims to source seed from these trees, which will be integral to the success of the project.
