Double Celebration For Argyll Tree Nursery

Taynuilt Trees Press Release August 2003

By Peter McCracken

Stuart Johnston of Scottish Woodlands Ltd. (left) and Peter McCracken of Taynuilt Trees, planting the one millionth tree at Blackmount Estate.

The Argyll tree nursery Taynuilt Trees is having a double celebration this year. The partners Peter and Jane McCracken, started the nursery ten years ago, and in this tenth anniversary year they have produced their one millionth tree.

The nursery grows 20 different tree species native to Argyll in a traditional field based system, including both the broadleave species such as Oak and the conifer Scots or Caledonian Pine. All of the million trees they have sold in the last ten years have been grown from seed that they have collected in the local woods.

Peter says: ' we can't quite believe we've been growing trees for ten years now - the time has flown by. It's really satisfying to look back at all these wee trees that have gone out of the nursery gate. Some of them are now over twenty feet tall! We are delighted to be millionaires, even if only in trees rather than pound notes!'

Although their trees have been planted far and wide in the West Coast mainland and islands, Peter and Jane are particularly proud of the part they have played in the extensive restoration and expansion of the ancient Caledonian Pine woodland of Blackmount Estate. The Fleming family of Blackmount have been extending and managing their pinewoods for over 50 years. Peter and Jessie Wormell of Ledaig Nursery Benderloch, begin the work 30 years ago, by collecting pine cones from the old trees on the estate. The woods now stretch from Rannoch Moor to Glen Etive and the expansion by new planting is scheduled to continue for many years to come. The woodland is of international importance, and will be preserved for many future generations to enjoy. The forest managers of Blackmount estate, Scottish Woodlands Ltd. of Lochgilphead, have been responsible for planting the majority of the trees that Taynuilt Trees have produced. The beneficial impact on the flora and fauna and the wider landscape has been remarkable.

To mark this special anniversary year for Taynuilt Trees, Peter and Jane felt it was very appropriate to present the one millionth tree to Stuart Johnston of Scottish Woodlands Ltd., to be planted at Blackmount to mark the 70th birthday of Robin Fleming. The three year old Scots Pine was planted in the estates policy woods and will stand as a lasting reminder of the commitment of Robin Fleming to the protection and expansion of this magnificent part of Scotland's natural heritage.

Much of the success of the nursery has been due to an increased awareness, both by the public and the government agencies, that our native woodland heritage needs active management. The unique mix of mountains, lochs and woodlands that exist in Argyll, with their diverse wildlife and rich ecosystems, will continue to bring visitors from around the world, and will also provide employment and income opportunities for local people.

Peter says: 'We would just like to thank all our loyal local customers who have supported us, whether by buying a few dozen trees or hundreds of thousands. It just shows that small scale businesses, that are locally supported, can really make a difference to the local environment. Thanks and keep on planting!'