THE Scottish Wildlife Trust is launching a new biodiversity scheme to protect precious areas of juniper woodland.
Having received £36,604 from Viridor Credits Environmental Company through the Scottish Landfill Communities Fund, the trust is planning to fence off parts of Balnaguard Glen Wildlife Reserve, near Pitlochry, to help restore juniper levels and protect wildlife.
The 18-hectare woodland is the second-largest juniper woodland in the region but like much of Scotland’s native conifer it is under threat from overgrazing.
Reserves manager, Rab Potter, said: “Much of the woodland is made up of older trees and unless young trees are taking their place there is a danger that this important area will be lost.
“By fencing out unsustainable numbers of deer, bashing bracken, and introducing cattle to create a sustainable level of grazing we are hopeful of creating the conditions to allow juniper to regenerate successfully.
“This will benefit a wide range of wildlife, from insects that thrive on healthy heather and blaeberry, to black grouse and pine marten.”
Juniper, though, remains the primary concern.
One of three native conifers found in Scotland, it helps sustain a range of insects, fungi and lichens while providing food and shelter for larger animals. Older juniper bushes even protect tree saplings from browsing.
Studies suggest that it has disappeared from approximately 23 per cent of areas in which it formerly grew.
Almost half the remaining sites are now thought to be under threat from overgrazing but recent small-scale trials have demonstrated that heathland can recover if deer grazing is controlled.
Murdo Fraser, MSP for Mid- Scotland and Fife and species champion for juniper, said: “Balnaguard Glen is one of the most important strongholds for juniper in Perthshire but like many upland areas of Scotland, overgrazing has contributed to a serious decline.
“I’m pleased to see this important project has been supported by Viridor Credits and I hope that it will secure a long-term future for the juniper stands here, as well as providing suitable conditions for a wide range of wildlife.”
Gareth Williams, Operations Manager at Viridor Credits, said: “Together with the Scottish Wildlife Trust, the Scottish Landfill Communities Fund can make a significant difference to wildlife and our environment.”
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