We’re partnering with Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh to protect endangered Conifers

Tortworth Forest Centre CIC based in The Dell at Tortworth Arboretum is a new safe site for rare and endangered Conifer trees as part of the International Conifer Conservation Programme.

The International Conifer Conservation Programme was established at Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh in 1991 to help protect the future of this important group of trees, of which 34% of species are threatened. The programme combines taxonomic, conservation, genetic and horticultural research with international capacity building to further conifer conservation across the world.

Dr Hannah Wilson, Head of the International Conifer Conservation Programme at Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh said:

“Tortworth Arboretum is a hidden gem. I enjoyed visiting and seeing the arboretum’s majestic historic plantings and learning more about the team’s careful gentle touch approach to managing the site to support the wellbeing of people, trees and nature.”

Jacob Stow, Collections Manager at Tortworth Forest Centre CIC said: 

“We are really excited to work alongside the ICCP and become a Safe Site, both to help with conservation efforts and also to promote learning and engagement with the public around conifer conservation.”

A variety of trees have been chosen, species that will fit in well within the arboretum’s landscape and existing planting. Some highlights include large trees like the Momi fir from Japan (Abies firma), the unusual podocarpus salignus from Chile, the Korean pine (Pinus koraiensis) and the wonderful Japanese umbrella-pine (Sciadopitys verticillata) with its distinctive whorls of leaves from which it gets its name.

Visit RBG Edinburgh’s website for more information about the International Conifer Conservation Programme.