European Information System on Forest Genetic Resources
Detail page for Unit number: GBR00020 and Target species: Quercus petraea
| Country of the unit : | United Kingdom |
| Unit number: | GBR00020 |
| National gene conservation unit number: | 20 |
| Province or state: | Scotland |
| Department or county: | Highland |
| Municipality: | Strontian |
| Local name : | Ariundle Oakwood NNR |
| Latitude : | 56.7213711°N |
| Longitude : | 5.531022°W |
| Restriction in making the geographical coordinates publically available: | 0 |
| Datum: | |
| Polygon coordinates (if available): | |
| Minimum elevation (m): | 30 |
| Maximum elevation (m): | 170 |
| Surface area of the unit (ha): | 70.7 |
| 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: | 2018 |
| Year of the most recent visit: | 2018 |
| Remarks on specific soil characteristics: | Largely acidic, with some more base-rich soils on bands of basalt |
| Remarks on other specific characteristics of the unit: | The woodland is on a SE-facing slope, and is dominated by sessile and pendunculate oaks, together with their hybrids, as well as a range of other tree species. The site is fenced to control deer access, and deer are managed within this area. The soil is generally acidic but with more base-enriched soils derived from bands of basalt rock, where ash and wych elm are more common. Annual rainfall is high (>1800mm), and generally heaviest in autumn and winter. Temperatures are moderate throughout the year; the mean annual temperature is c. 5.5ºC. Many of the mature trees are multi-stemmed from historic coppicing. It is likely that past management deliberately favoured oak, which was the most valuable tree in terms of woodland products, resulting in the predominance of oak within the Reserve today. |
| All tree species growing in the unit: | Quercus petraea; Sorbus aucuparia; Fraxinus excelsior; Betula pendula; Corylus avellana; Prunus padus; Alnus glutinosa; Betula pubescens; Ulmus glabra; Quercus robur; Ilex aquifolium |
| Target species: | Quercus petraea |
| National population unit number if existing: | |
| Year of establishment of the GCU for the species: | 2024 |
| Year of the most recent visit: | 2018 |
| 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: | > 5000 |
| 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 (%): | 90 |
| Remarks on the population: | Large areas are dominated by oak, chiefly Q. petraea, which was favoured for coppicing in the 18th and 19th centuries. In a few areas of the reserve oak appears to have been planted, but there is no evidence that non-local stock was used. |