There is only one apple that is considered ‘native’ to the UK, the Crab Apple (Malus Sylvestris). The Crab Apple’s tendency to hybridise with other, non-native varieties means native, ‘wild’ trees are rare. Previous work has identified that Galloway hosts a major proportion of the UK’s wild Crab Apple Trees.

Dumfries & Galloway hosts a significant proportion of the United Kingdom’s commercial woodland creation schemes. With discussion ongoing on the national stage regarding land use change, the ‘Woodlands Plus’ project aims to add local value - employment, biodiversity or public access - to three forestry sites in the region.

Supporting native tree planting across the region with grants of up to £1,000, scheme recipients last year varied from farmers and landowners through to community groups and schools, all of whom benefitted from the flexible and easy scheme to make their small scale tree planting ambitions come true.

Saturday 15th June was a milestone for the Glaisters Bridge Community Woodland Site, near Corsock. New paths have been cut enabling access around the site and 250 trees were planted by a band of volunteers.

Dumfries & Galloway Woodlands is a new initiative looking to support trees, habitats and the people that depend upon them across the region. With support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and a whole range of partners, the Summer Programme of Events sets out to look at trees in many different ways, celebrating what we know and don’t know about our woodlands.

Volunteers are sought to come and try their hand at tree planting, and can hear more about plans on the site. Tree Planting will be between 11am-3pm on Saturday 15th June, with light lunch provided for those on site at lunchtime!

Experts increasingly admire the population of native crab apple trees in Galloway. But why are they here, and why does this matter?