'Unique' Scottish woodlands selected to honour Queen's 70 years

The woodlands are part of a nationwide network of 70 across the United Kingdom.

‘Unique’ Scottish woodlands selected to honour Queen’s 70 years in Ancient Canopy project National Trust for Scotland

Four ancient Scottish woodlands have been selected for a dedication to The Queen in celebration of the Platinum Jubilee.

The network, along with 70 ancient trees across the country, will form part of the ancient canopy to celebrate Her Majesty’s 70 years of service.

The initiative was launched by the Prince of Wales, who is patron of The Queen’s Green Canopy (QGC), under one of the Ancient Tree dedications on Sunday, May 1 2022.

Prince Charles is also the patron of the National Trust for Scotland (NTS).

Coille Mhòr at Balmacara
National Trust for Scotland

The four woodlands selected are Coille Mhòr at Balmacara in Wester Ross; Corrieshalloch Gorge in Wester Ross; Mar Lodge Estate in Aberdeenshire; Merkland Wood at Brodick Country Park on Arran.

Stuart Brooks, head of conservation and policy at NTS, said: “Unique in their make up and character, these woodlands have stood for centuries, contributing to Scotland’s biodiversity, absorbing carbon and benefitting us all with their nature, beauty and heritage. ”

 “We are very honoured that four of our most important woodlands have been selected to be part of this celebration. They are a wonderful demonstration of the diversity of woodland habitats that the Trust has in its care, from the rare Atlantic rainforest of Wester Ross, the dramatic Corrieshalloch Gorge and the ancient pines at Mar Lodge to the species rich Merkland Wood on the isle of Arran.

“Our charity is proud to play its part in protecting them now and for the future, and through our regeneration and management work, will ensure that they continue to thrive for many more centuries to come.”

Announcing the QGC on Sunday , the Prince of Wales said: “I believe it is absolutely vital that we do our utmost to nurture our historic inheritance through careful management and, in the case of the woodlands, that we can expand them and link them to other natural features like our hedgerows.

“And if we are to create the ‘ancient’ trees of the future, we must plant more trees in hedgerows, fields, churchyards and avenues.

“Furthermore, I would suggest that some of those planted should be propagated from today’s ancient trees, thus helping to preserve their unique provenance and heritage.”

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