December 11th 2024.
Henry Murdo and Margo McLellan, a couple who share a deep love for the rare Arran Whitebeam, have dedicated their lives to preserving this native tree species from extinction. Having lived on the island of Arran for over five decades, Henry and Margo have collaborated with the National Trust for Scotland to pass on their extensive knowledge of tree growing and planting to the next generation of nature enthusiasts. This was not always the case, as the couple used to work on this mission in secret.
Henry, a former wood cutter, and Margo, a retired stained glass worker, first became interested in protecting the island's landscape, nature, and environment when they noticed the alarming state of the Arran Whitebeam in Glen Rosa. They were determined to take action and help repopulate this species, which had been greatly affected by overgrazing and heath burning over the years. Thus, they became guerilla gardeners, planting saplings from their own tree nursery in hidden areas of land owned by the conservation charity.
Reflecting on his first days on the island, Henry recalls being shocked by the barren landscape caused by years of destruction. However, he also remembers being fascinated by a solitary Whitebeam tree that had managed to survive despite the harsh conditions. This sparked his interest in the Whitebeam species and inspired him to take action. Henry was also inspired by the successful efforts of the Trust at Mar Lodge Estate, where they effectively controlled deer populations to allow for natural regeneration of trees.
Although he and Margo have no professional experience in gardening, their passion for it has led them to plant thousands of trees across the island. They even started a small tree nursery in their own garden, collecting seeds from various species and selling them to the Forestry Commission. However, their guerilla gardening began out of frustration with the lack of progress in protecting the landscape. They would often plant trees in secret, without permission from the Trust, but always with a sense of satisfaction and a desire to leave a positive impact on the land.
Recently, Henry and Margo have been working with Kate Sampson, the head ranger on the island, to share their expertise with Trust staff, volunteers, and school groups. They have faced challenges in growing the Whitebeam from seed, but their hard work has paid off with some successful results. Margo believes that Henry has a special touch when it comes to growing these trees, and their efforts have made a lasting impact on the landscape.
Their story is just one example of the amazing work being done to protect and preserve Scotland's wildlife. To read more inspiring stories like theirs, visit our website and subscribe to the latest issue of Scottish Field. Together, we can make a difference in preserving our natural world for future generations to enjoy.
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