Project set to save twinflower from extinction
Project set to save twinflower from extinction
The twinflower is one of Scotland’s most iconic wildflowers, an emblem of Scotland’s ancient Caledonian forests. However, it is a plant under serious threat of extinction.
The twinflower’s natural habitat is native pine woodlands and loss of its habitat has resulted in patches of the flowers being too far apart to be able to successfully pollinate. An innovative project in the Cairngorms National Park is set to offer a solution and protect this most cherished wildflower.
The Cairngorms Rare Plants Project, part of Cairngorms Nature, have developed a innovative new translocation method to move carefully selected plants closer to existing patches of the twinflower. The aim is to facilitate cross-pollination and seed production between the plants and ensure the long-term recovery of the flower.
Justin Prigmore, Cairngorms Nature Officer explains, “The Twinflower is one of Scotland’s most endangered and charismatic plants and the Cairngorms National Park is a stronghold for the remaining population. Past fragmentation of native pinewoods has meant that the distances for pollinating insects to travel between patches of the twinflower are too great, meaning they have not been able to set seed. This pioneering project, alongside objectives to expand the area of native pinewoods in the National Park, should help ensure twinflower populations will be safeguarded long into the future.”
Martin Price, Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) board member and Chair of the Cairngorms Nature Strategy Group said: “The Cairngorms Rare Plants Project involved land managers and ten key conservation partners as well as rangers and local volunteers. It is an excellent example of how groups and individuals can come together to make a positive difference. We all have a responsibility to conserve the amazing nature we have here in the Cairngorms National Park. To find out what projects are happening and how you can get involved visit www.facebook.com/cairngormsnature ”
The project has been entered into the Nature of Scotland Awards 2014 for Innovation and the RSPB Species Champion Award
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Relevant alerts
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There is an ongoing wildfire situation at Glenmore within the Cairngorms National Park. Click here for all the latest. We would encourage members of the public to follow current guidance and be aware that the situation may change.
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Very high fire risk - 15 to 24 July
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has issued a very high wildfire warning impacting areas of the National Park on Wednesday 15 until Friday 24 July. If you are out and about in the Cairngorms National Park please observe the following guidance:
- Do not light any fire or barbecue, in line with the new fire byelaw
- Always ensure cigarettes are fully extinguished and take your litter (including glass) away with you
- Enjoy the outdoors responsibly - most wildfires are caused by human activity
- Stay alert - with dry vegetation and warm weather, fires can start easily, spread rapidly, and burn intensely
- If you see a wildfire, dial 999
For further updates on wildfire risk across Scotland, visit the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service website. To find out more about the fire byelaw, and to see your questions answered, visit our fire byelaw page here.