Project to conserve Scotland’s rare ‘wee trees’ secures funding

Abel McLinden, partnership manager for Loch Abar Mòr, said less than 37 acres (11ha) of the woodland was known to survive in Lochaber.

“Due to historic land management, including overgrazing, mountain woodland is one of Scotland’s rarest and most fragmented habitats,” he said.

McLinden said the woodlands supported ecosystems, stabilised slopes and helped to regulate water flow.

He added: “But these habitats are now restricted to isolated crags and gullies with little or no natural regeneration.

“Without targeted intervention, the remaining populations will further decline, threatening the unique upland ecosystems and the species that rely on them.”