Aspen Root Collection from Ancient Woodlands on Deeside

Aspen (Populus tremula) is a key native species, currently occurring at low levels within Scotland's native woodlands. Aspen supports some unusual and specialist flora and fauna including a number of species with critically low UK populations in need of emergency “first aid”.

Expansion occurs most commonly through the growth of suckers from the roots of the parent tree in areas with good light conditions and where the suckers are protected from the hungry mouths of deer, rabbits and livestock.

Future large scale expansion in aspen relies on the identification and propagation of suitable local provenance planting material based on a wide genetic mix.

In spring 2008, 1 to 1.5 metre sections of aspen root approx. 1" diameter were collected seven trees in three ancient woodlands on Deeside by clearing the surface vegetation to locate the tree roots and cutting suitable sections with secateurs. After collection the surface vegetation was replaced to regrow.

To prevent then drying out the root sections were put in a large plastic bag for transportation back to the tree nursery in Kingussie were suckers from these root sections will be propagated to create a new generation of aspen trees.