Pilot study to find potential new sites for genetic conservation units for native trees in Scotland

Gene Conservation Units (GCUs) are a Europe-wide network of sites recognised for their protection of genetic diversity and natural processes in forest trees. The first GCU in the UK was declared for Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve (NNR), Wester Ross in 2019. There are now five GCUs in Scotland, representing four species of tree (Pinus sylvestris, Betula pendula, Quercus petraea and Sorbus aucuparia). This report proposes a further 98 GCUs, adding seven species. These proposed GCUs are on sites owned and managed by a range of public, private and non-governmental organisations. It is a core principle of the GCU process that sites are put forward by their owners. The GCU is a recognition of sound sustainable management of genetic diversity, and is compatible with commercial land use.