Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis), is Scotland’s most widely planted commercial conifer tree and is common in the plantations around Stratherrick and Foyers. It is not a native tree and comes originally from the west coast of North America and was introduced into this country over 100 years ago.
Unfortunately, seed from nearby plantations can readily colonise natural habitats such as native woodland and blanket bog. As Sitka seedlings are shade tolerant, they can rapidly grow under the canopy of native broadleaves and eventually take over the understorey, or any open ground areas, thereby preventing the regeneration of native trees and shrubs. When spruce grow close together, they can form a dense canopy under which few plants can grow. Sitka spruce is now regarded as one of the main threats to the future survival of native woodlands.
Volunteers from BBG have been removing Sitka spruce regeneration from a birchwood near Ault na Goire in Farigaig Forest for the past two years. This birchwood has a healthy stand structure of mature, young and regenerating birch, but in recent years has been invaded by Sitka spruce from nearby plantations. With permission from Forestry and Land Scotland, volunteers are using hand saws and loppers to cut down the young spruce. Volunteer days are usually during winter months in order to avoid disturbance to nesting birds and other wildlife.
