Thousands of rare wildflowers rescued from eroding Scottish coast
Summary
Conservationists relocated 3,400 one-flowered wintergreen plants from an eroding shoreline at Culbin Forest in Moray, Scotland, to protect them from falling into the sea. The rare wildflower has lost more than half its UK population in 50 years, and the team will monitor how many plants survive in their new locations.Key Facts
- The rescue involved NatureScot, Plantlife Scotland, Forestry and Land Scotland and 18 volunteers.
- About 2–3 metres of land had collapsed into the sea at the site in recent years.
- Volunteers moved sections of soil with the plants to preserve underground fungal networks they rely on.
- In the UK, the species grows only in pine woods in north-east Scotland and is recorded at seven sites.
- An estimated 50,000 plants remain in Scotland, but they may represent fewer than 500 genetically distinct individuals.
- Forest management changes and hotter, drier conditions have affected the fungi and soil moisture the plant depends on.
- Conservationists also moved some plants and seeds to a wood where the species had not previously been recorded.
- The project received support from the Scottish government’s nature restoration fund.
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