Runrig star takes action for Scotland’s Caledonian Forest on Earth Day
Press Release 22nd April 2010
Contact: Jane Beaton. 01320 340242; marketing@treesforlife.org.uk
Calum Macdonald of Scottish folk-rock band Runrig visited Trees for Life’s Dundreggan Estate near Loch Ness today to plant a commemorative tree to mark this year’s Earth Day (April 22nd).
 Calum Macdonald of Runrig about to plant a juniper tree at Dundreggan on Earth Day, 22nd April 2010  Calum Macdonald with a Scots pine he's about to plant at Dundreggan.  Calum Macdonald (centre) with a holly tree he's just planted and Trees for Life staff (left to right) Kerrigan Bell, Alan Watson Featherstone, Ruth May and Geoff Hewitt. |
The songwriter and percussionist is supporting the restoration of the Caledonian Forest in the Scottish Highlands. Following centuries of deforestation, only one per cent of the forest currently survives.
Dundreggan, in Glen Moriston in Inverness-shire, is a key site in Trees for Life’s plans to restore the Caledonian Forest to an area of 1,500 square kilometres west of Inverness. The estate is home to at least 56 priority species for conservation, including several once feared extinct in Scotland, important areas of ancient woodland and an innovative forest restoration project using wild boar to clear bracken.
Calum Macdonald said: “It was great to spend Earth Day at Dundreggan and get first-hand experience of the fantastic work being carried out by Trees for Life. The charity’s work is something that people across Scotland should be proud of – particularly given the threats of climate change and habitat loss that we face today.”
Alan Watson Featherstone, Trees for Life Executive Director, said: “We are delighted that Calum was able to spend Earth Day with us and make a personal contribution to the restoration of the Caledonian Forest. Our work at Dundreggan and elsewhere shows how positive action can be taken on behalf of our planet and for future generations.”
He added: “Scotland’s cultural and ecological roots are celebrated in many of Runrig’s songs, and those roots will be strengthened for the future, literally, by a new generation of native trees taking root through the work of people today.”
Trees for Life’s plans for Dundreggan include the planting of over half a million trees and scientific research and education programmes.
A renewed Caledonian Forest will be a vital habitat for wildlife, and enjoyed by people for centuries to come. Forest restoration is also one answer to the threat of climate change.
People can support Trees for Life’s award-winning restoration of the Caledonian Forest by funding specially-dedicated trees and Groves, or by joining its acclaimed Conservation Holidays. For more information, see www.treesforlife.org.uk or call 0845 458 3505.
Since their first concert at Glasgow’s Kelvin Hall in 1973, Runrig have enjoyed a hugely successful career, recording acclaimed albums and selling out concerts worldwide. Their songs have often focused on issues including conservation, Scottish history and politics. For the latest news, including their UK tour later this year, visit www.runrig.co.uk.
Earth Day is a worldwide event held every April 22nd to inspire awareness and appreciation of the Earth’s environment.
Ends
Notes to editors
- Trees for Life aims to restore the Caledonian Forest to an area of 1,500 square kilometres in the Scottish Highlands west of Inverness.
- Since planting its first trees in 1991 in Glen Affric, Trees for Life has planted over 820,000 trees.
Its awards include 1991 UK Conservation Project of the Year, the Millennium Marque in 2000
and Top 10 Conservation Holidays worldwide in 2009. - Trees for Life is a partner in the world-wide celebrations of 2010 as the International Year of Biodiversity. The diversity of life on Earth is crucial for human well-being and now is the time to
act to preserve it. For information on events, initiatives and exhibitions across the UK visit
www.biodiversityislife.net
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