Consortium launched to conserve rare and threatened whitebeam, rowan and service trees

Forestry England Westonbirt, The National Arboretum is proud to announce the launch of the Global Conservation Consortium (GCC) for Whitebeams, Rowans, and Service Trees.

This new consortium is led by Westonbirt, working with numerous other partners from across the UK and beyond. The Global Conservation Consortia are collectively coordinated by Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI).

This significant initiative launched with an event hosted at Westonbirt in September 2024, when conservation specialists and representatives from organisations across the UK made a shared and ongoing commitment to protect these extraordinary tree species.

The whitebeams, rowans and service trees are important components of their natural habitats as a food source for birds and insects. However, according to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, 36 are assessed as threatened with extinction, with 16 of these represented by less than 50 mature trees in the wild. Many of the most threatened species exist in severely restricted populations, heightening their vulnerability to external threats.

The GCC will build upon previous and existing efforts and work towards coordinating future initiatives to protect these threatened species. Work includes both conserving species in the wild and ensuring they are effectively backed up in living collections. The consortium also seeks to raise awareness of the plight of these species.

Dan Crowley, Curator at Westonbirt Arboretum, commenting on the GCC launch says:

“This initiative marks an exciting new chapter in Westonbirt's ongoing efforts to contribute to global tree conservation, and towards realising our vision to be a world leader in trees. We will continue to work alongside our partners to safeguard these important species for future generations.”

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Consortium launch day © Alison Whaley

Westonbirt Sorbus Consortium launch day © Forestry England

Sorbus bristoliensis tree in fruit Westonbirt Arboretum © Alan Connor

Sorbus bristoliensis tree Westonbirt Arboretum © Alan Connor

Dan Crowley Forestry England photographs Sorbus eminens Cheddar Gorge © Rosalyn Anderson

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