Big Tree Country >> Our Story >> Projects Future

Future

Carrying on the tradition of the plant collectors is an important part of the future of Perthshire Big Tree Country, which is why it is acting as a safe haven for arboreal refugees from around the world as part of the iCONic project.

By growing endangered conifers in sites throughout the area the landscape is evolving and a new seed base is being formed for planting back in the countries of origin in years to come.

The Ancient Tree Hunt is recording old and notable trees to contribute to an expanding UK database, and fruit growing is on the increase thanks to the Historic Orchards project.

Significant investment from guests and staff of The Gleneagles Hotel through its Supporting Big Tree Country scheme is helping ongoing efforts to enhance, protect and preserve our fantastic resource.

Local school children are potentially the next generation of plant collectors and by taking part in Woodlands, Words & Wonders they get a sneak preview of what that life might entail. It is hoped the project will spark an interest in their local environment and how it came to be.

Through investment, innovation and dedication, the Big Tree Country story continues to grow.

iCONic Big Tree Country sites

Young, endangered conifers from around the world are putting down roots throughout Big Tree Country, thanks to the iCONic project. It is hoped the trees will enjoy their new homes … and the inclement Scottish weather! Five Big Tree Country sites are home to the first round of trees:

Looking to the future The planting season early this year holds many exciting things in store. As well as expanding the network of sites involved, it will also see the first wave of conservation plots planted out as natural groves within existing commercial forests. They will typically include forty or more individuals of a species, helping to preserve a greater range of genetic diversity.

Projects

iCONic: A Cause for Concern

iCONic: A Cause for Concern Over half of the world’s ca 722 species of conifers are threatened with extinction in the wild. The causes of this frightening statistic include illegal logging, uncontrolled forest fires, over-grazing by animals, habitat loss through degradation and conversion to other uses, such as mining, and global climate change. Conifers are a vitally important group of plants to humans. They are key components of many important ecosystems and natural landscapes, such as the northern boreal forests wh...

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Big Tree Country Report

Big Tree Country Report Big Tree Country Interim Evaluation and Assessment of Future Growth Potential In December 2010, Perth & Kinross Countryside Trust commissioned ekos and the Tourism Resource Company to carry out an interim evaluation of the Big Tree Country (BTC) Project from 2006 to 2009, as well as identifying its future growth potential. The project received funding of £1.8 million and implemented a programme of action to: • Restore and conserve outstanding examples of Perthshire's tree and woodland ...