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Fears for mature Scots Pines burned by huge Highland wildfire

Andrew ThomsonBBC Scotland
Forestry and Land Scotland There is a steep mountain slope where the undergrowth has recently been burned away by wildfire. There are several Scots pine in the frame which appear to have damaged blackened trunks because of the fire. In the backgound a loch and a glen are visible. Forestry and Land Scotland
Foresters fear that many older Scots pine trees could die because of fire damage.

Mature Scots Pine trees may be lost from a Highland landscape hit by a huge summer wildfire, experts fear.

Forestry and Land Scotland say the blaze around Glenmore in the Cairngorms may have led to the loss of many so-called "granny pines" which have matured over centuries.

They say their loss removes important seed sources and makes it more difficult for the species to regenerate.

However, the Scottish government agency said there were many encouraging signs of natural recovery among other species following the fire.

It burned through about 10 sq miles of forest and moorland near Aviemore in July and August.

Forestry and Land Scotland staff who have been monitoring the site have recorded birch, rowan and willow regenerating from surviving stems and root systems.

Large areas of hillside have also been observed turning green again as grasses, bracken and blaeberry begin to make a comeback.

The agency said this was particularly apparent where moisture had remained in the soil or where fire intensity was lower.

Deer and capercaillie are now being regularly spotted in the fire damaged area, attracted by the new grass growth.

Forestry and Land Scotland The base of a burned tree can be seen with some green shoots emerging from it. A tangled mass of burned tree roots and heather can be seen on the ground.Forestry and Land Scotland
Birch, rowan and willow shoots are emerging from the base of burned trees.

FLS forestry management and stewardship forester Eelco de Jong said the recovery of broadleaf vegetation was promising with lots of birch, rowan and willow expected to grow back quickly.

However, he warned that there were "significant challenges" ahead because of organic soil layers being badly affected and due to damage to the area's renowned Scots pine.

He said: "The concern is many of the oldest 'granny pines' could be lost, removing important seed sources and habitat for species such as capercaillie."

"Some of these veteran trees were more than 100 or 200 years old and, where losses occur, it could take centuries for trees of a similar stature to return to the landscape."