European Information System on Forest Genetic Resources
Detail page for Unit number: GBR00019 and Target species: Betula pendula
| Country of the unit : | United Kingdom |
| Unit number: | GBR00019 |
| National gene conservation unit number: | 19 |
| Province or state: | Scotland |
| Department or county: | Highland |
| Municipality: | Laggan |
| Local name : | Creag Meagaidh NNR |
| Latitude : | 56.9610835°N |
| Longitude : | 4.5158119°W |
| Restriction in making the geographical coordinates publically available: | 0 |
| Datum: | |
| Polygon coordinates (if available): | |
| Minimum elevation (m): | 250 |
| Maximum elevation (m): | 600 |
| Surface area of the unit (ha): | 400 |
| Ownership of the unit : | Public |
| Type and function of the unit : | Gene reserve forest; Biodiversity conservation (habitats AND/or species) |
| Monthly temperature (°C): | |
| Total annual mean precipitation (mm): | |
| Heat sum and/or length of the growing season (in days): | |
| Accumulated moisture deficit: | |
| Year of collection of the field data entered: | 2015 |
| Year of the most recent visit: | 2015 |
| Remarks on specific soil characteristics: | Peaty podzols, Mineral podzols |
| Remarks on other specific characteristics of the unit: | Upland birch wood which has expanded substantially by natural means since the mid-1980's due to more focused deer management. Mean annual precipitation is approx. 1,250mm. Woodland is primarily of downy birch (and some silver birch) with rowan and willow. Rowan regenerating strongly in recent years following flush of birch regen. Range of age classes. Ground flora dominated with dwarf shrub heath and some areas of bracken. |
| All tree species growing in the unit: | Malus sylvestris; Crataegus monogyna; Salix caprea; Quercus petraea; Sorbus aucuparia; Prunus spinosa; Prunus avium; Fraxinus excelsior; Betula pendula; Sambucus nigra; Corylus avellana; Populus tremula; Prunus padus; Alnus glutinosa; Betula pubescens; Pinus sylvestris; Ulmus glabra; Juniperus communis; Quercus robur; Ilex aquifolium |
| Target species: | Betula pendula |
| National population unit number if existing: | |
| Year of establishment of the GCU for the species: | 2024 |
| Year of the most recent visit: | 2015 |
| Status of the target tree population regarding the EUFORGEN common action plans.: | Included |
| Category of the population: | In situ |
| Origin of the material: | Autochtonous |
| Predominant silvicultural system: | |
| Level of management allowed to favour the target species: | Minimum intervention allowed |
| Main reason for carrying out gene conservation for this species: | To maintain genetic diversity in large tree populations |
| Total number of reproducing trees per unit: | 500 - 4999 |
| Sex ratio, if appropriate: | |
| Status of long-term viable regeneration : | Sporadic |
| Distribution of the reproducing trees in the unit (multiple choice): | In stands; Scattered |
| Estimated share of the total area within the unit in which the species is occurring (%): | 5 |
| Remarks on the population: | Old mature alder trees on lower ground in floodplain near Loch Laggan. Scattered trees up Coill a Choire. |