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Scotland’s Arboreal Heritage Seminar

Author:  Struan Dalgleish
  10/08/2022
Last Updated:  10/08/2022
Gathered beneath the Birman Oak.

Gathered beneath the Birman Oak.

Struan Dalgleish

On 18 May 2022 around 30 members and non-members gathered at the Birnam Arts Centre, Dunkeld, Perthshire, for a seminar on Scotland’s arboreal heritage.

The event was organised and led by arboricultural and ecological consultant Chris Knapman FArborA on behalf of the Scottish Branch.

While many of us were binging on box-sets, Chris’s lockdown project had been to review the status of Scotland’s many fine heritage trees and explore the fascinating characters and stories behind them. He talked us through his arboricultural adventures which have taken him the length and breadth of the country. His investigations have uncovered lesser-known arboricultural wonders including a forest of monkey puzzle in the depths of Galloway and a huge (7.5-metre girth) sweet chestnut at Dryburgh Abbey.

The second part of Chris’s presentation looked at the historical context and notable individuals who have influenced treescapes in Scotland and throughout the world. From the hunting forests of ancient kings to celebrated characters such as David Douglas and John Muir, his research identified many intriguing stories which should be told.

Between the two parts of Chris’s presentation we were delighted to be able to welcome Christopher Dingwall, one of Scotland’s leading landscape historians. As an author of the Scottish Forestry Practice Guide Conserving and Managing Trees and Woodlands in Scotland’s Designed Landscapes, Christopher was ideally qualified to provide a descriptive and entertaining talk on the history and evolution of some of the great treed landscapes of Scotland.

Making note of some of the earliest tree collection pioneers and plant hunters, he discussed the rich history of arboreta and woodland landscapes in Scotland. Twenty-three of these landscapes, selected through a range of criteria, have been chosen for inclusion in the National Tree Collections of Scotland, a project with which he has been closely involved since its outset.

The final presentation was provided by arboricultural engineer Paul Hanson from Arboretum Internationale. Paul provided enlightening insight into some of the practical aspects and issues he has encountered in working to maintain heritage and veteran trees over the past 30 years. He included descriptions of recent projects to protect the Camperdown Elm, prop the Covenanters’ Oak and up-right windblown lime trees at Taymouth Castle.

Following questions, discussion and lunch the group made the short walk to the ancient and impressive Birnam Oak and Sycamore. The tour continued past the historic Parent Larch at Dunkeld Cathedral and along the tree-lined bank of the River Tay to the Dunkeld House Hotel.

The day was most informative and highlighted Scotland’s globally significant tree heritage and heritage trees. The Scottish Branch extends it gratitude to the three expert speakers and all those attending for their contributions to an excellent day.


This article was taken from Issue 198 Autumn 2022 of the ARB Magazine, which is available to view free to members by simply logging in to the website and viewing your profile area.