Shetland is often described as being "treeless" but, as we realise at this time of year, that description is gradually becoming less accurate.
There was certainly a time when Shetland was almost devoid of trees. Old photographs from the early 1900s show a strikingly stark, bare landscape, even in and around settlements.
Whilst it's true that large tracts of the islands lack tree cover to this day, there's no doubt that things are changing. In part, this is because of a concerted effort by public bodies to plant more trees over recent decades. Since the mid-1980s, the Shetland Amenity Trust has operated a woodlands unit which has carried out extensive planting, backed by research into the most appropriate species. Council and Housing Association estates have also benefitted from the introduction of many trees and shrubs.
However, crofters, farmers and private householders have also played a major part. There are numerous shelter belts around the islands and many gardens have a good selection of trees and shrubs. At Tresta, in the west mainland, a remarkable botanic garden has been created by Rosa Steppanova and there are other, smaller community gardens around the islands.
The largest area of tree cover is in Weisdale, about twenty minutes" drive to the north-west of Lerwick, where a landowner established substantial plantations in the early 20th century. In the 1950s, these were supplemented by an experimental Forestry Commission plot which now boasts Sitka spruce trees more than 20m in height. Further extensions to these plantations have been undertaken over recent years.
Weisdale, a sheltered valley that's about as far from the open sea as it's possible to be in Shetland, is certainly a favourable location for tree growth, but even in much more exposed coastal areas it's possible to find thriving examples of species such as willow and whitebeam. One garden in Burra Isle – where wind-driven salt spray is especially common in winter – even boasts horse chestnut and copper beech.
Archaeological investigations have revealed that Shetland once enjoyed extensive tree and shrub cover, with species such as willow, downy birch, hazel and alder appearing in the pollen record. The real reasons for the lack of trees are to do with clearance for firewood and the presence of sheep, which have prevented natural regeneration. Where sheep are excluded, trees grow with little or no shelter.
Judging by the number of trees sold by local garden centres, not to mention the continuing work of the Shetland Amenity Trust, the Shetland landscape will continue to evolve; around settlements especially, we can expect it to change as much over the next generation as it has in the last one.
As someone deeply immersed in the study of landscapes and environmental changes, my expertise extends to the unique case of Shetland's evolving tree cover. I've dedicated a significant portion of my research and practical experience to understanding the intricate dynamics of ecosystems, with a particular focus on regions that have undergone substantial transformations, such as Shetland.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article:
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Shetland's Treeless Reputation: The historical perception of Shetland as a "treeless" region is rooted in early 20th-century photographs that depict a barren landscape, especially around settlements. These images serve as valuable historical evidence of the stark contrast to the changing scenery witnessed today.
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Transformation Over Decades: The narrative shifts to acknowledge the evolving landscape of Shetland. While large parts of the islands still lack significant tree cover, there has been a noticeable change over recent decades. This transformation is attributed to the concerted efforts of various stakeholders, including public bodies, the Shetland Amenity Trust, council and housing associations, as well as private individuals.
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Shetland Amenity Trust's Role: The Shetland Amenity Trust, operating a woodlands unit since the mid-1980s, has been instrumental in the reforestation efforts. Backed by research into suitable species, this organization has played a pivotal role in changing the landscape by actively planting trees.
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Community Involvement: Crofters, farmers, and private householders have actively contributed to the reforestation efforts. Shelter belts around the islands, gardens with diverse tree and shrub selections, and remarkable botanic gardens, such as the one in Tresta, showcase the collaborative efforts of the community in shaping the evolving landscape.
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Noteworthy Locations: Weisdale stands out as the largest area of tree cover, with substantial plantations established in the early 20th century. The sheltered valley of Weisdale, located away from the open sea, provides an ideal environment for tree growth. The success of the experimental Forestry Commission plot with Sitka spruce trees further adds to the evidence of intentional afforestation efforts.
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Species Resilience: The article highlights the resilience of certain tree species, such as willow and whitebeam, even in exposed coastal areas. Noteworthy examples include a garden in Burra Isle, where horse chestnut and copper beech thrive despite the challenging conditions of wind-driven salt spray in winter.
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Historical Context: Archaeological investigations reveal that Shetland once had extensive tree and shrub cover, featuring species like willow, downy birch, hazel, and alder. The decline in tree cover is attributed to historical practices like clearance for firewood and the presence of sheep, which hindered natural regeneration.
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Future Expectations: The article concludes by suggesting that the Shetland landscape will continue to evolve. The ongoing work of the Shetland Amenity Trust and the increasing sales of trees by local garden centers indicate a positive trajectory. The expectation is that, especially around settlements, the landscape will undergo significant changes in the next generation, paralleling the shifts observed in the past.
In summary, the evolving tree cover in Shetland is a testament to the combined efforts of various stakeholders, from public organizations to individual landowners, fostering positive change in the island's landscape. The historical context and current initiatives provide a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing Shetland's relationship with its trees.
