Rivers and streams in two of Scotland’s most scenic glens are to be protected with new trees which will shelter waterways and provide nutrients for fish.
Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) is planting 20,000 native trees along rivers and streams in Glen Doll and Glen Prosen.
The two linked glens are part of the Cairngorms National Park and are famed for their rugged scenery.
Species being planted include downy birch, aspen, rowan, willows, hazel, bird cherry and common alder.
When mature, the trees will help to shade the river, and fallen leaves will provide nutrients to support freshwater species like salmon and brown trout.
Tree roots should also stabilise riverbanks when flow rates are high, FLS said.
The project has been funded with a grant from NatureScot’s Nature Restoration Fund and as part of the River South Esk Catchment Partnership’s “A Nature Rich and Climate Resilient Catchment”, involving other local landowners in a joint effort to support restoration across the catchment.
READ MORE: FORESTRY JOURNAL
