What trees will grow on Shetland?

What trees will grow on Shetland?

It is a one hectare site featuring only native trees known to grow or have grown in Shetland: alder, aspen, Downy birch, rowan and willow. A circular path crosses the burn at the east end via a ford. Further up the burn, visitors will find two relict examples of rowan, dogrose and honeysuckle.

Are there trees in Shetland Islands?

There are numerous shelter belts around the islands and many gardens have a good selection of trees and shrubs. Archaeological investigations have revealed that Shetland once enjoyed extensive tree and shrub cover, with species such as willow, downy birch, hazel and alder appearing in the pollen record.

What tree species are native to Scotland?

Scotland’s most common native trees and shrubs include Scots pine, birch (downy and silver), alder, oak (pedunculate and sessile), ash, hazel, willow (various species), rowan, aspen, wych elm, hawthorn, holly, juniper, elder and wild cherry.

Why are there no trees on Scottish islands?

In Scotland, more than half of our native woodlands are in unfavourable condition (new trees are not able to grow) because of grazing, mostly by deer. Our native woodlands only cover four per cent of our landmass. As in many parts of the world today land use is a product of history.

What is Shetland famous for?

Shetland has long been world famous as a mecca for bird enthusiasts. From the ultra-rare to the quirky, birds of all breeds flock to the isles in their droves.

When did Shetland lose its trees?

around 5,000 years ago
Shetland used to be covered in woodland, but its native trees disappeared around 5,000 years ago.

What happened to the trees on Shetland islands?

Shetland used to be covered in woodland, but its native trees disappeared around 5,000 years ago. Now a new trial has produced a nut from one of its last surviving hazel trees. The Punds Firth hazel was one of two remaining on the islands but it has now disappeared after being damaged by a sheep.

What trees are farmed in Scotland?

They are fast-growing and make up the majority of the trees we grow for timber harvesting.

• Corsican pine.
• Douglas fir.
• Hybrid larch.
• Lodgepole pine.
• Noble fir.
• Norway spruce.
• Scots pine.
• Sitka spruce.

What trees are in Galloway Forest?

In addition to Aspen, Downy Birch and Rowan will be planted in treeline woodland with other native species of local origin such as Sessile Oak, Hazel, Wych Elm, Bird Cherry, Hawthorn and Holy on the lower slopes and richer soils, following the clearance of the conifer crops.

Why are there so few trees on the Shetland Islands?

There are two factors involved, Over grazing and the Tree line effect. Trees will grow in sheltered valleys and other areas and if they are protected, but since the islands have a vast sheep and deer population and trees are pretty much the only tasty green thing available young trees are usually eaten.

When was Scotland deforested?

The forest reached its maximum extent about 5000 BC, after which the Scottish climate became wetter and windier. This changed climate reduced the extent of the forest significantly by 2000 BC. From that date, human actions (including the grazing effects of sheep and deer) reduced it to its current extent.

What language is spoken in Shetland?

Old Scots
What is Shetlandic? Shetlandic, or Shetland dialect, could be described as Old Scots (which is related to Middle English) with a strong Norse influence. It’s a waageng (aftertaste) of Norn, an extinct North Germanic language spoken in Shetland until the 18th century.

What kind of trees grow in Shetland?

It is a one hectare site featuring only native trees known to grow or have grown in Shetland: alder, aspen, Downy birch, rowan and willow. A circular path crosses the burn at the east end via a ford.

Is Shetland really treeless?

Shetland is often described as being “treeless” but, as we realise at this time of year, that description is gradually becoming less accurate. There was certainly a time when Shetland was almost devoid of trees.

Where are the best places to visit in Shetland?

Kergord includes the oldest and largest group of woodlands in Shetland, first planted in the early 20th Century. The area certainly has Shetland’s tallest trees, with Sitka spruce approximately 20m tall; there are many mature Japanese larch, sycamore, some Noble fir, Wych elm, ash, whitebeam and Horse chestnut.

What is Shetland woodlands?

Launched in 2017 the aim of Shetland Woodlands is to promote woodlands and knowledge of trees in Shetland as well as showcasing the many diverse plantings that have been happening over the years here. We hope the website will be a source of inspiration, knowledge and advice.