The Monster of Argyll joins the Queen’s Jubilee tree ring
A nationwide network of 70 ancient woodlands and 70 ancient trees, dedicated to the Queen in celebration of her Platinum 70th Jubilee, has been launched by the Prince of Wales, including ‘The Monster’ of Cairndow and many others from the West Coast.
By sharing the stories behind these ancient woodlands and trees, as well as the efforts that are made to protect them, the Queen’s Green Canopy (QGC) project aims to raise awareness of these treasured habitats, and the importance of conserving them for future generations.
All have a unique story to tell – some are famous specimens, while others have local significance as natural wonders throughout their neighbourhoods.
On the West Coast, the list includes Argyll’s Dalavich Oakwood and Glen Nant National Nature Reserve, Lochaber’s Loch Arkaig Pine Forest and An Cnap by Loch Sunart, and Merkland Wood on Arran.
There’s also individual trees such as ‘The Giant’ or ‘The Monster’ in Ardkinglas Woodland Garden, Camusnagaul Pollarded Oak at Achnaphubuil, and Robert The Bruce’s Yew at Stuc an T’Iobhairt.
To mark the launch, the Prince of Wales recorded a video message under one of the ancient tree dedications – the Old Sycamore at Dumfries House, Ayrshire.
His Royal Highness said: ‘I am delighted to have the opportunity to launch this project in the grounds of Dumfries House under the majestic branches of this old sycamore, which pre-dates the very house itself, having grown from seed more than 420 years ago.
‘Planted in 1599, during the reigns of Queen Elizabeth I and King James VI, it is remarkable that this ancient tree is as old as Shakespeare’s Hamlet and Caravaggio’s David and Goliath.
‘These working woodlands and magnificent trees span our nation’s amazing landscape and exist for everyone to enjoy.
‘Trees and woodlands have a profound significance for us all – their steadfast and reassuring presence a reminder of our long-serving sovereign and her enduring dedication.
‘Let us ensure that in her name we can now protect and strengthen this wonderful living canopy for the next 70 years and, hopefully, way beyond. And, above all, let us ensure that future generations can celebrate and enjoy them.’
All across the UK people are also being invited to ‘plant a tree for the Jubilee’ to create a legacy in honour of the Queen’s leadership of the nation, which will benefit future generations.
The Queen’s Green Canopy seeks to highlight the significant value of trees and woodlands as nature’s simple but highly effective way to clean the air we breathe, slow the impact of climate change, create important wildlife habitats, and improve our general health and wellbeing.
Tree planting will begin again in October 2022, through to the end of the Jubilee year.
On its new arborial network, QGC said: ‘Established over hundreds of years, these irreplaceable habitats are rich in their natural and social history and ecology and have formed the backdrop to important moments in the history of the United Kingdom.’
Here is a tour of those fea
tured from Scotland’s West Coast.
The Giant, Ardkinglas
This impressive National Champion silver fir, also known as The Giant or The Monster, is thought to be the largest in the UK and reputed to be the ‘mightiest conifer in Europe’. It is nearly 10 metres in size, which is huge for this species, and has four huge trunks arising from its waist.
Ardkinglas Estate said: ‘Ardkinglas is delighted to have the Champion European Fir included in this most prestigious collection of trees and to be part of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations. We hope to welcome many visitors to the Woodland Garden this year to visit this wonderful tree and its neighbours in the garden. The tree has been part of the history of Ardkinglas through many generations and is much loved.’
Robert The Bruce’s Yew, Loch Lomond
In 1306, after King Robert the Bruce had been ambushed at the Battle of Methven, his remaining forces fled west from Perthshire. Reaching Loch Lomond he ferried his 200 men slowly across the loch to safety.
They reached the yew, which stands on a rocky hill outcrop known as Stuc an t’Iobhairt (or the Hill of the Sacrifice). They took sanctuary under its branches and King Robert regaled his men of stories of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table.
The men later fled further west to the Isles and returned in 1307 to win the Battle of Loudoun Hill in May 1307
‘The tree is a living link back to an age of heroes, when our nation at one of its most dire moments rallied and produced heroes,’ said David Reid from the Society of John De Graeme, set up in 2016 to raise awareness of the deeds and life of Sir John de Graeme, who was Sir William Wallace’s closest friend and most loyal knight.
‘Heritage is often brushed aside as irrelevant, but here we have something that almost certainly bore witness to Scotland’s greatest warrior kings at one of the lowest moments of his life. If that is not truly amazing, I don’t know what is.’
Dalavich Oakwood, Loch Awe
Dalavich Oakwood was heavily coppiced during the 18th and 19th centuries to provide bark for tanning, and charcoal to supply the historic Bonawe Iron furnace. Much of the woodland was underplanted with sitka spruce and silver fir in the 1950s but, unusually, the oaks survived, continuing to grow under the conifers.
Glen Nant, Taynuilt
Glen Nant is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a National Nature Reserve for its ancient oakwoods and associated wildlife. It was the source of charcoal for the historic Bonawe Iron furnace at nearby Taynuilt and at its peak had more than 600 people living and working in the woods producing charcoal.
An Cnap, Loch Sunart
An Cnap is an excellent example of Scotland’s rainforest. It forms part of an extensive Special Area of Conservation and Site of Special Scientific Interest. These sites are home to exceptionally rare and beautiful lichen; a keystone species in many ecosystems.
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