Estimates suggest that about 5,000 years ago, at least 80% of the Borders was tree-covered but the area, as with much of Scotland, lost its trees in stages: early clearance for farming, medieval timber grants, then centuries of sheep grazing that stopped the woods regenerating, with commercial conifers replacing them in the 20th century.
Borders Forest Trust is a charity set up to restore native woodland habitats to southern Scotland. It has worked since 1996 on planting trees, restoring peatland and enriching biodiversity across roughly 31 sq km of the Southern Uplands.When possible one of my sons and I join the volunteer planting days.
A day spent in the hills with friends and like minded people is good for the mind, body and soul and the first day of this season was no exception. Held in mid-October on a crisp autumnal day 33 of us planted over 1500 trees.
The trust has a number of sites:
Carrifran Wildwood is the first and best known. The trust bought it in 2000, and planting there is already complete. A rowan there, “The Survivor”, was named Scotland’s Tree of the Year in 2020.
Corehead and the Devil’s Beef Tub was bought in 2009 with donations totalling £700,000 from over 750 individuals and 30 charities and trusts. It was once part of the ancient Ettrick Forest, and 195 hectares of native woodland have been planted there, over 230,000 trees.
Talla and Gameshope, near Tweedsmuir, is a former farm bought in 2013. It is currently the main focus of planting across the 1832 hectare site. It forms a core part of the Trust's "Reviving the Wild Heart of Southern Scotland" initiative and connects directly with Carrifran Wildwood to its south.
Ericstane North is the newest addition. Scottish Forestry approved plans for 60 hectares of native woodland, around 74,000 trees and shrub.
I recommend that you join a planting day near you, or better still, join us in The Borders.