The Scottish Borders tree key to keeping our forests alive

A ONCE solitary rowan tree in the Scottish Borders is playing a key role in supporting conservation efforts.

The tree has a rich history, having clung on to a riverbank despite the attention of grazing sheep and its ­hardiness earned it the moniker of The Survivor Tree Of Carrifran. It went on to be named Scotland’s Tree Of The Year 2020 and was selected as a finalist for Europe’s Tree Of The Year 2021.

Now the secrets of its genetic code are being unlocked to bring a ­greater understanding of biodiversity across the UK and Ireland, ­providing data that will be important for ­conservation and ecology.