Thousands of trees planted at Glen Rosa on Isle of Arran after wildfire devastation

This article contains images that some readers may find distressing

Volunteers have descended on the Isle of Arran to help plant thousands of trees after wildfires decimated the area.

Earlier this month, wildfires wiped a decade of conservation efforts in Glen Rosa when they ripped through the valley and destroyed 27,000 trees.

On Saturday, two weeks on from the blaze, 90 volunteers from far and wide gave up their spare time to plant 6,270 new trees in the area.

Downy birch, Sessile oak, hazel, willow, aspen and alder as well as endangered and endemic Arran whitebeams were introduced to a 400-hectare site, fenced off to protect the young trees from grazing deer.

The blaze first began on Thursday, April 10, and was not fully extinguished until ten days later on Sunday, April 20.

It came as Scottish Fire and Rescue Service issued an “extreme risk” warning for wildfires across the country.

The fire in Glen Rosa destroyed thousands of trees as well as killing hundreds of reptiles.

Following the blaze, National Trust for Scotland said the reptile population has been decimated at Glen Rosa, with 72 dead slow worms, 25 dead adders, 14 dead lizards, 21 dead frogs and a dead toad recorded.

Images showed the devastation caused by a wildfire, including a male adder killed in the fire. National Trust for Scotland

Kate Sampson, head ranger at Glen Rosa, said: “Humans have had an impact on this glen for over 4,000 years and now we’re changing the environment too, but this time for conservation reasons.

“We’re not turning this landscape back to the way it was, instead we’re introducing trees that will increase biodiversity, we’re protecting endangered species and we’re futureproofing Glen Rosa.”

She added: “This time, human intervention will have a positive benefit for nature. Your support will help us achieve that.”

A spokesperson for the Trust said: “Ninety volunteers gave up their spare time to plant 6,270 trees in Glen Rosa. Only two weeks on from the devastating fire that destroyed 27,000 trees, the day was a real uplift, and even the drizzle didn’t dampen spirits.

“Volunteers came from far and wide, and we thank them all for their support, as well as the people who have donated to our appeal. We’re looking forward to seeing how the woodland progresses.”