A symbolically
important moment in the restoration of one of the “world’s
greatest woodland habitats” was celebrated on Sunday 20 May 2012
when acclaimed wildlife cameraman and filmmaker Gordon Buchanan
planted Trees for Life’s Millionth Tree in Scotland’s Caledonian
Forest.
The event took place at
a celebration event held at the award-winning conservation charity’s
Dundreggan Estate near Loch Ness, in Glen Moriston, Inverness-shire.
"Magnificent and
magical, the Caledonian Forest is a wild place at its most wonderful.
Every single tree planted helps to restore one of the world's
greatest woodland habitats. One tree will be used by a thousand
species in a forest that will stand for 10,000 years, which in that
time can be enjoyed by a million people. Great forests are
established one tree at a time. I am honoured to plant the millionth
tree on behalf of Trees for Life," said Gordon Buchanan.
Alan
Watson Featherstone, Trees for Life’s founder and executive
director, said:
“It’s fitting that Scotland should be in the
forefront of restoring its world-class wild landscapes, having been
one of the first countries to lose its forests and much of its
wildlife. We are proud to be playing a key role in bringing our
equivalent of a rainforest back from the brink of being lost forever.
“Planting
our Millionth Tree is a major moment, made possible by the dedicated
support of countless volunteers and generous donors over almost a
quarter of a century. It’s an achievement that shows that we can
all help to create positive environmental change.”
The event also saw the
planting of the first of Trees for Life’s next million trees,
including one by the charity’s patron and Highlands naturalist,
author and presenter Roy Dennis. There were performances by the
Woodland Orchestra, activities by environmental education charity
Wild Things!, guided walks, and a celebratory barbecue.
Support also came from
other well-known public figures, including writers and broadcasters
Muriel Gray and Vanessa Collingridge, both of whom are Trees for Life
patrons.
Muriel said: “How
amazing that the Million Tree moment has come, and Trees For Life,
their supporters and volunteers, can all proudly celebrate years of
hard work and vision together. Public awareness of the importance of
reinstating our heritage forests has grown so much since the
beginning of the project, and now the enthusiasm for the positive and
inspirational work being done is enormous. Well done to everyone, and
let’s get started on the next million trees!”
Vanessa said: "The
celebrations for the Millionth Tree are not only for the
inspirational work of Trees for Life and everyone who's played a part
in this magnificent effort. For me, the real celebrations will be
among the communities of insects, animals and plant life that are all
thriving in the webs of life created by the emerging forests. I'm so
proud to have played my own small part in planting not only a
landscape of trees but a landscape of life and joy. Congratulations
to all of you who've been involved – and to all the plants and
creatures that now thrive in their new home."
People
can help Trees for Life to plant its next million trees by purchasing
dedicated trees and groves. The charity’s
award-winning volunteer Conservation Holiday weeks offer
opportunities to gain practical conservation experience.
Trees for Life aims to
restore the Caledonian Forest to an area of over 2,500 square
kilometres in the Highlands west of Inverness and Loch Ness. For more
information, see www.treesforlife.org.uk
or call 0845 458 3505.
