Course: Learning Day - All Things Aspen

Scotland’s native aspen, Populus tremula, was once common but has gradually disappeared from our landscapes due to a combination of factors. Readily browsed by grazing animals and rarely setting seed in Scotland, today the bright yellow stands of aspen survive only in scattered fragments, often clinging to rocky slopes and gorges – beyond the reach of hungry herbivores.

This Learning Day sees us teaming up with Eadha Enterprises (say ‘Ey-uh’), a Renfrewshire based social enterprise dedicated to regenerating land and communities through tree planting. They are leading experts in aspen conservation and have been working to propagate aspen and other rare native trees in their growing network of local tree nurseries since 2011.

The learning day will cover:

• the importance of aspen in our landscapes as host to a broad range of species,
• a practical session on propagating aspen by root cuttings,
• a site visit to a wild aspen stand,
• tree planting best practice and establishment of planting trials,
• why volunteer involvement is important in grassroots conservation action.

This learning day is for you if:

• you work in a tree nursery or community woodland and are keen to find out more about aspen, specifically growing techniques,
• you are a landowner or land manager interested in learning how to start your tree planting journey,
• you are interested in learning more about trees and woodland management,
• you are interested in pursuing a career within the rewilding sector,
• you are a conservation/rewilding professional wishing to upskill.