Native woods regeneration studied

Caledonian forest provides habitat for Scottish crossbill

A scientist has studied the role of natural pollinators in regenerating Scotland's Caledonian pine forest.

Dr Mariano Devoto will discuss the results of his research on 15 November at the largest gathering of John Muir Trust members outside Scotland.

On the University of Bristol's website, Dr Devoto describes Scotland's native woodland as highly endangered habitat.

The forest is estimated to extend to 39,000 acres. It provides habitat for Scottish crossbill and rare flowers.

In May, the UK's only unique species of bird was taken off RSPB's endangered list.

Physical wellbeing

Dr Devoto has previously said the native forest was highly fragmented and was of considerable ecological and historical value.

He is one of the keynote speakers at the trust's gathering in Bristol.

Founded in 1983 in the name of Scottish-born conservationist John Muir, the trust owns more than 61,000 acres of land including Ben Nevis.

The charity's registered office is in Pitlochry.

An estate taken over by Forres-based charity Trees for Life includes some of the last stands of Caledonian forest.

Volunteers have planted more than 1,500 native trees on 10,000-acre Dundreggan Estate in Glen Moriston in an attempt to regenerate woodland.

Meanwhile, spending time in woods and forests helps to boost mental and physical wellbeing, the Community Woodlands Association has suggested.

The Ullapool-based organisation was due to host a one-day event in Inverness where speakers were to discuss the benefits of such areas.

Seventy delegates were expected to attend including countryside rangers, land managers and health workers.