We have been shortlisted for Scotland’s Tree of the year

As of 8th September voting has commenced for Scottish Tree of the Year! You have from now until 26th October to make that vote count. So what are you waiting for, tell all your friends and family and get voting! (NB One vote per individual email address will be accepted.)

Why Vote for this Scots Pine tree?

The Scots pine is native to the Highlands of Scotland and is the largest and longest-lived tree in the Caledonian Forest. Its conservation status is recovering with regeneration now starting to occur, especially in areas fenced off from browsing deer.

It forms the foundations for a variety of species that depend upon it in many ways. Playing host to Stump Lichens and Scottish Wood Ants that live on and under the bark, a shelter for deer, shade for flowers, home and food for red squirrel and in pride of place up top, our majestic Ospreys that nest in its level branches.This particular Scots pine at Loch of Lowes is over 60 feet tall and was chosen by our famous Osprey affectionately known as ‘Lady’, as her home. 

It’s part of a conservation success story! For the past 24 years this female osprey has returned to nest in this Scots pine tree on our nature reserve at Loch of the Lowes, Dunkeld, Perthshire. During this time she has laid 71 eggs and fledged 50 chicks. This is truly remarkable and the safety provided by this Scots pine in all weathers has surely played a part in that success.   Our 24hr HD webcam on the tree attracts over 1 million viewers a year in over 160 different countries. So I think this tree and our Osprey deserve to be equally famous.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So, as you can see this Scots pine has been fundamental in the success of our breeding osprey programme here at Loch of the Lowes and with this year being the Scottish Wildlife Trust’s 50th Anniversary, we and I’m sure our veteran osprey would be thrilled if it won Scottish Tree of the Year. The winner will receive the Scottish Tree of the Year trophy and will be entered into the European Tree of the Year competition.

Please vote using this link: http://bit.ly/TreeoftheYear

You can also vote in person at Loch of the Lowes visitor centre, please ask at reception.

The Visitor Centre and Shop is open daily from 10:00am-5pm.

A huge thank you to all our supporters from reserve staff and volunteers to visitors, web cam watchers and avid blog readers, we hope you continue to enjoy this wonderful Tree and all the nature on, in and around it!

Sarah Close
Visitor Centre Assistant