Six tree species facing the brink of extinction

Six tree species facing the brink of extinction

In the heart of England's countryside, Westonbirt Arboretum is not just a haven for nature lovers, but a vital bastion for over 100 species classified as threatened on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. This historic arboretum, of national and international significance, houses 50 threatened tree species, many of which are also found in gardens across the UK.

One such endangered species is the star magnolia (Magnolia stellata), native to Japan, which faces threats from urbanisation and illegal collecting. Another is the Maidenhair tree (Ginkgo biloba), under threat in the wild from habitat loss and timber exploitation. The Atlas cedar (Cedrus atlantica), an endangered species suffering from pests, diseases, and timber exploitation due to climate change, also finds a home here.

To ensure these threatened trees thrive in the face of climate change, gardeners at Westonbirt Arboretum are adapting their practices. They are selecting tree species suited to anticipated future climates and local site conditions, planting at optimal times for strong root establishment, employing innovative reforestation methods like the Miyawaki Method, providing ongoing care, protecting young trees with tree guards, and supporting biodiversity in gardens and landscapes.

Choosing climate-appropriate species is key to ensuring better adaptability and long-term survival. Planting at dormant seasons allows trees to establish strong root systems before stressful periods, enhancing their resilience to climate extremes. The Miyawaki Method rapidly develops dense, diverse, and self-sustaining forests, improving habitat complexity and support for biodiversity.

Providing ongoing care, including proper watering, pruning, and disease management, helps maintain tree health under changing conditions. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and biological controls reduce disease spread and increase resilience without relying heavily on chemicals. Protecting young trees with tree guards shields them from pests, animals, and other physical stressors that could be exacerbated by climate change pressures.

Supporting biodiversity in gardens and landscapes by fostering habitats with pollinator-attractive plants and reducing pesticide use helps create ecological networks that sustain tree species and wildlife adapted to local changing climates. Together, these strategies enable gardeners to enhance the survival and ecological function of threatened trees, contributing to broader ecosystem resilience in the face of climate change.

The book The Little Book of Disappearing Trees, co-authored by Dan Crowley of Forestry England, profiles 50 threatened species that grow at Westonbirt Arboretum, detailing each species' plight, conservation efforts, and work in partnership with other botanic gardens. Crowley emphasizes the importance of growing threatened species in collections like Westonbirt Arboretum for learning, research, and wild re-introductions.

Visitors can find out more about the world's threatened trees on the Forestry England website or purchase the book during their next visit to Westonbirt Arboretum. With more than 17,500 of the world's 60,000 tree species at risk of extinction, the work at Westonbirt Arboretum is more critical than ever. Other threatened species in the arboretum include the paperbark maple (Acer griseum), with only 12 fragmented populations in the world, leading to a lack of regeneration, and the giant redwood (Sequoiadendron giganteum), an endangered species native to California, the largest organism in the world by volume.

In the face of these challenges, Westonbirt Arboretum continues to be a beacon of hope for threatened tree species, demonstrating that with careful planning, innovation, and dedication, it is possible to help these magnificent trees weather the storm of climate change.

1. Nature thrives in England's Westonbirt Arboretum, a sanctuary for over 100 IUCN Red List species.
2. The star magnolia and Maidenhair tree are among the endangered species housed in the arboretum.
3. Climate change poses a significant threat to the Atlas cedar, another endangered species at Westonbirt Arboretum.
4. To combat these challenges, gardeners are selecting climate-appropriate species and employing innovative methods like the Miyawaki Method.
5. Planting at dormant seasons helps trees establish strong root systems, enhancing their resilience to climate extremes.
6. The Miyawaki Method develops dense, diverse forests that support biodiversity.
7. Ongoing care, such as proper watering and disease management, is crucial for tree health under changing conditions.
8. Integrated Pest Management and biological controls help maintain tree health while reducing chemical reliance.
9. Protecting young trees with tree guards safeguards them from pests, animals, and climate change pressures.
10. Biodiversity support in gardens and landscapes helps sustain tree species and wildlife adapted to local climates.
11. Westonbirt Arboretum's conservation efforts are vital as over 17,500 tree species face extinction worldwide.
12. Paperbark maple and giant redwood are other threatened species found within the arboretum.
13. Dan Crowley, co-author of The Little Book of Disappearing Trees, highlights the importance of growing threatened species for learning, research, and re-introductions.
14. Visitors can learn more about threatened trees on the Forestry England website or purchase the book during their visit to Westonbirt Arboretum.
15. The health-and-wellness aspect of connecting with nature is amplified by the arboretum's mission to protect endangered species.
16. Fitness and exercise can be combined with nature walks through the expansive gardens of Westonbirt Arboretum.
17. The arboretum's work demonstrates the possible harmony between climate change mitigation and lifestyle choices, promoting environmental science.
18. The ancient science of horticulture plays a key role in adapting to climate change and preserving endangered species.
19. Cooking global cuisines involves using ingredients sourced responsibly, supporting the environmental science of sustainable food practices.
20. Lifestyle choices, such as reducing meat consumption, can contribute to the health of the planet and animals, reinforcing mental health benefits.
21. Choosing electric vehicles for car-maintenance lessens the environmental impact associated with oil-powered cars, further supporting the fight against climate change.
22. Sports betting on European leagues, basketball, baseball, hockey, golf, and other global events should prioritize research and analysis on climate change impacts on performance and scheduling, advocating for sustainability in sports.

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