IAN BROWNE, COUNTRYSIDE MANAGEMENT ADVISER, DARD

Scots Pine was once listed as one of the fine nobles of the wood and remains one of only three native conifers found in Northern Ireland (the others being Yew and Juniper).

It disappeared some 300 - 400 years ago due to high demand for timber but has since been reintroduced. The Scots Pine is a very distinctive and picturesque tree due to its long, bare and straight trunk topped by a rounded or flat-topped mass of foliage. It can be seen around many upland farm houses where it was planted for shelter on exposed sites.

Scots Pine is regarded as one of the best conifers for wildlife. Red squirrels are particularly fond of the seeds from the pine cones. This tree also provides good shelter for wildlife in the winter as it retains all its needles.

Scots Pine can be found in heath lands where few other trees can thrive but it grows best on lowland areas where the soil is sandy or gravelly.

It can reach a height of 30 metres at maturity (60-90 years) and can live up to 300 years. Being resistant to frost, drought and wind, this particular pine can be regarded as one of the hardiest of our native trees. Planting Scots Pine in shaded areas should be avoided as it requires lots of light.

Farmers and landowners who are participants in an agri- environment scheme (Countryside Management Scheme and Environmentally Sensitive Areas Scheme) can receive funding for planting native trees including Scots Pine in small blocks or grass margins up to 0.2 ha. Financial support is also available for the management of native woodland.

For more information about planting native trees or other aspects of countryside management, please contact your local Countryside Management Branch, DARD.