SCOTTISH TREE FESTIVAL ENCOURAGES EVERYONE TO TAKE A WALK IN THE WOODS

September 22nd 2022

Scotland’s woods and forests are amongst its greatest natural treasures and over the coming weeks they will start to take on their autumn colours.

From the native species that form our Atlantic oakwoods and fragments of ancient Caledonian forest to imported conifers that soar to exceptional heights and Himalayan species that have rooted themselves into Scottish soil, the range of trees that grows here is quite exceptional.

From Saturday, 24 September until Thursday, 1 December, dozens of gardens and estates will be taking part in the Scottish Tree Festival, organised by Discover Scottish Gardens.  It will be a chance to experience the magic of our woods and forests and to discover some of the biggest and most beautiful trees in the country.

There will be walks and talks, guided tours and family activities all aimed at encouraging as many people as possible to tramp amongst the fallen leaves, hug a bark-covered giant, spot wildlife amongst the branches and enjoy the beauty of our woodlands in autumn.

Amongst the many events where visitors can experience the beauty and grandeur of trees are:

•  Walks amongst the semi-tropical trees at Logan Botanic Garden near Stranraer

• Lunchtime lectures, including ‘The Present and Future of Our Urban Forests’ at St Andrews Botanic Garden.

• Tree climbing adventures at Paxton House, Traquair House and at Aden Country Park in Mintlaw.

• Forest Therapy, Woodlands Breathing and Mindfulness at The Japanese Garden in Cowden

• Fungi forays at Dawyck Botanic Gardens at Stobo

•  Halloween trail, guided tours and ‘Meet the Gardener’ sessions at Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

Some of the oldest trees in the country can be found at Cawdor Castle, near Nairn, where at the very heart of the estate’s Big Wood, which is home to giant sequoias, Spanish chestnut trees and Noble firs, lies one of those remaining fragments of the Ancient Caledonian Forest that once covered much of Scotland.

Graham Griffiths, Estate Director, Cawdor Castle, and Director of Discover Scottish Gardens, says: “Woods like these have their own, special atmosphere and we have to work to protect them from threats such as climate change. One of the best ways of safeguarding them is for as many people as possible to experience their beauty and to recognise their importance to species such as pine martens and red squirrels and I hope that as many people as possible will go out and explore Scotland’s remarkable woods during the Scottish Tree Festival.”

Details of the Scottish Tree Festival and a full list of events can be found here