NTS appeal to help replace storm-damaged trees

The appeal aims to replace thousands of trees which were lost across NTS properties as a result of storms Arwen and Corrie.

The storms, which occurred in last November 2021 and in January devastated hundreds of acres of natural habitats on NTS properties - the equivalent of 20 Murrayfield Stadia, and the conservation charity is asking for support to help replant these areas by dedicating a tree for as little as £7.50 per sapling.

The conservation charity’s properties in the North East, the Highlands and Argyll and Bute saw vast swathes of woodland destroyed by the sheer force of the storms. The fundraising appeal will help to replace trees that are vital in the fight against the climate crisis and provide important habitats to a host of wildlife.

With a tree’s natural ability to absorb up to 1 tonne of carbon emissions throughout its lifetime, it is crucial for the NTS to undertake replanting on a huge scale. As the new saplings are planted they will be shielded from herbivores using bio-degradable tree guards in keeping with the trust’s conservation agenda.

The Tree Appeal will help to repopulate woodlands with native trees that provide habitat for rare species such as the red squirrel, capercaillie and wildcats and will allow the charity to continue its work to care for and protect Scotland’s natural assets.

Chris Wardle, gardens and designed landscape manager for the North East, said: “The devastation left by the storms and the sheer extent of the damage caused is unimaginable. Over the coming years, in addition to supporting natural regeneration we want to plant at least 475,000 trees across Scotland. It’ll cost £7.50 to plant each sapling and a donation today helps us plant another tree in one of the many woodlands we’re restoring. Dedicating a tree could make the perfect Christmas gift.

"As a thank you, we’ll send you a personalised certificate to keep or send to a loved one if you’re dedicating a tree to them. Your support will help us restore our damaged forests and play a part in mitigating the climate crisis and the loss of Scotland’s natural ecosystems.”

To make a donation and dedicate a tree, visit www.nts.org.uk/trees.