* Planting partners.
A partnership has safeguarded an extremely rare tree found in Llangollen for future generations to enjoy.
Pupils from Ysgol Dinas Bran, Gwernant and Bryn
Collen have been learning all about the Llangollen Whitebeam, a very rare tree
which only exists at two locations in the world.
In 2017, a project ran in partnership between the
Clwydian Range and Dee Valley National Landscape, Chester Zoo and Natural
Resources Wales (NRW), commissioned a detailed survey to determine the
population of this species, as well as to gauge their condition.
In total, only 315 of the trees were recorded, 307
were found at Creigiau Eglwyseg Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI),
with an additional eight trees in Shropshire.
Berries were also carefully collected and taken to
Chester Zoo where skilled botanists cultivated the plants at the zoo for
several years, by recreating the unique environment of Llangollen in a
behind-the-scenes plant nursery.
Now, six years later, 20 of the rare trees have
been replanted in several locations around Llangollen, including one at
Dinas Bran this month. The reintroduction was supported by local school pupils
from Ysgol Dinas Bran and volunteers.
Emlyn Jones, Head of Planning, Public Protection
and Countryside Services, said: “We are so fortunate to the rich diversity of
wildlife found in Denbighshire and the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley National
Landscape . To think that we hold almost the entire global population of just
one species is remarkable and something to cherish.”
“Given the inaccessible places these trees grow,
they are easily overlooked and many people are not aware as to the importance
of this species.
“By planting them with school children, future
generations will have a greater appreciation as to what is on our doorstep, and
people will now be able to see and appreciate the Llangollen Whitebeam as it is
planted in and around the town.”
Richard May, NRW Environment Officer, said: “We
are very happy to have worked on this positive project with our partners at
Clwydian Range and Dee Valley National Landscape and Chester Zoo.
“We now have an up-to-date survey of the endangered
Llangollen Whitebeam and we understand more about the health of the population
and what conservation management it requires.
“It’s amazing to think that this tree can only be
found in two places in the world, and I’ll enjoy seeing these trees restored to
Castell Dinas Bran.”
Richard Hewitt, Team Manager of the Nursery team at
Chester Zoo, added: “Chester Zoo is well known for its species-saving work with
a variety of animals, but many maybe unaware that we’re also dedicated to
saving the world’s botanical treasures, too. Our team have dedicated more than
six years to nurturing this species in our nursey, starting with a mere seed
and growing them right through to these magnificent trees. It’s a great feeling
to now see them go on to thrive in their historical home in North Wales.
“Without the help of this partnership, this special
tree could have disappeared from our planet altogether.”
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