Forestry and Land Scotland confirmed that veteran trees aged over a century were severely damaged during the fire across July and August near Aviemore. While the loss of these mature specimens directly threatens specialized species like capercaillie, more resilient plants are quickly recolonizing damp terrain. Birch, rowan, willow, and assorted undergrowth are already resprouting from intact roots, drawing foraging wildlife back onto the recovering slopes.
Key points
Recovering trees of a stature similar to the lost Scots Pines could require multiple cent…: Recovering trees of a stature similar to the lost Scots Pines could require multiple centuries of growth.
The return of bracken, blaeberry, and grasses is already drawing deer and capercaillie ba…: The return of bracken, blaeberry, and grasses is already drawing deer and capercaillie back to the burned area.
Areas where soil retained moisture or experienced less intense burning are demonstrating…: Areas where soil retained moisture or experienced less intense burning are demonstrating the strongest natural regeneration.
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- Published
Mature Scots Pine trees may be lost from a Highland landscape hit by a huge summer wildfire, experts fear.
Forestry and Land Scotland say the blaze around Glenmore in the Cairngorms may have led to the loss of many so-called "granny pines" which have matured over centuries.
They say their loss removes important seed sources and makes it more difficult for the species to regenerate.
However, the Scottish government agency said there were many encouraging signs of natural recovery among other species following the fire.
It burned through about 10 sq miles of forest and moorland near Aviemore in July and August.
Forestry and Land Scotland staff who have been monitoring the site have recorded birch, rowan and willow regenerating from surviving stems and root systems.
Large areas of hillside have also been observed turning green again as grasses, bracken and blaeberry begin to make a comeback.
The agency said this was particularly apparent where moisture had remained in the soil or where fire intensity was lower.
Deer and capercaillie are now being regularly spotted in the fire…
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