Mountain woodland is in dramatic decline across the UK. Overgrazing by deer and sheep since the 18th century has been a major factor in pushing high-altitude woodland to the brink of extinction.
On East Schiehallion, sheep and deer have browsed many of the trees and shrubs that would naturally grow there. This prevents seeds from taking hold in the ground, so the next generation of plants can’t establish meaning only a handful of trees now grow above 400m.
Fighting for survial
Mountain woodland provides a foraging area for endangered animals including invertebrates, mammals, and birds. It ensures the survival of rare plants unique to this habitat.
East Schiehallion is home to species such as stonechat, bullfinch and ptarmigan as well as threatened species like black grouse, hen harrier, water vole and mountain ringlet. Its limestone rich habitats are a haven for rare wildflowers such as rockrose and Scottish asphodel and endangered trees like the whortle-leaved willow (Salix myrsinites).
With your help we will
- Bring this diminishing and rare habitat back from the brink of extinction by enabling it to regenerate through natural processes.
- Restore a mosaic of woodland habitats, encouraging greater landscape diversity with a rich ecological community.
- Show the 20,000 people that visit East Schiehallion each year the potential for upland woodland regeneration.
Your donation will
• Replace and extend a boundary fence to protect saplings from grazing pressures.
• Support the continued monitoring of tree growth and wildlife populations.
• Help us engage communities and people about the importance of East Schiehallion and mountain woodland.
David Fleetwood, Director of Policy, John Muir Trust:
“By creating mountain woodland at East Schiehallion, we will be restoring one of Scotland’s rarest habitats, providing a home for iconic species like mountain hares and black grouse.”
For more information, or if you are interested in making a major contribution to the Mountain Woodland Appeal please get in touch with fundraising@johnmuirtrust.org
With your help we can help bring back a rare woodland from near extinction.