The National Trust for Scotland has bolstered its team to conserve Ben Lawers National Nature Reserve’s collection of nationally rare and scarce mountain plant species, one of the largest in Britain.

Ecologist Lewis Donaghy, and Ranger James Robinson, who both worked at the nature reserve last year, returned to their roles again this summer to protect Scotland’s nature and heritage.

Their work protects mountain willow scrub, one of the six priority habitats identified in the Trust’s recently published Plan for Nature, which provides a framework and focus for its nature conservation efforts. Restoration of this rare habitat is one of the main focuses of Lewis and James’ work at Ben Lawers.

Lewis, who spent his winter working in New Zealand and was eager to return to Scotland to continue his role at the Trust, said: “I was keen to return to my role and get back out in the mountains botanising and surveying mountain species, including rare willows, at Ben Lawers. There are 15 nationally rare and 40 nationally scarce plant species at the reserve so surveying them is important. It provides an indication of how well they are doing and contributes to the long-term data used to measure the health of these populations.

READ MORE: Local community group to explore purchase of Bunloit by Loch Ness for rewilding

“These plants thrive high up in the mountains where they have adapted to living in colder temperatures and strong winds. The habitats in which they do best are declining due to rising temperatures caused by climate change. Conditions have gotten worse due to warmer winters, with less snow cover and prolonged dry periods in summer causing them to retreat to higher altitudes in search of more suitable conditions. Long term monitoring has highlighted that the reduction in suitable habitats is having a detrimental effect on some high altitude, specialist species with snow pearlwort, mountain sandwort, and drooping saxifrage particularly vulnerable. Despite these worrying trends, other species are doing well, with populations of alpine fleabane in a stable condition.”

The restoration of mountain willows, pioneered at Ben Lawers, was started after monitoring highlighted that they were declining. Highland saxifrage (Saxifraga rivularis) was also saved from local extinction by conservation action after monitoring revealed that only a single plant remained.

Lewis continued: “To know that my work is contributing to the Trust’s efforts to help sustain and grow the collection of rare mountain plants at Ben Lawers is something I’m incredibly proud of. It is thanks to the continued generosity of our supporters, alongside the funds raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery, that have supported my role and enabled the Trust to protect and promote the wildlife, nature and landscapes in its care for the benefit of everyone, now and into the future.”

Lewis’ surveys are complemented by James’ work on the practical management of the reserve alongside managing its tree nursery. Both roles are vital to achieving the ambitions for expanding mountain willow scrub set out in the Plan for Nature.

Low growing mountain plants, like Montane Willows are being used to help regenerate the populations of plants at Ben LawersLow growing mountain plants, like Montane Willows are being used to help regenerate the populations of plants at Ben Lawers (Image: National Trust for Scotland)

Ranger James Robinson, who previously managed libraries before studying environmental management and technology at the Open University, joined the Trust after volunteering with conservation projects in the UK and South America and training to become an arborist. James commented: “My skills as an arborist have been put to good use managing the tree nursery, where I grow saplings from seeds collected on the reserve. We focus on growing mountain willow species, although we also grow hazel, aspen, juniper, and some other species in smaller amounts. These trees are planted on the reserve to support the restoration of a continuous habitat gradient from woodland through mountain willow scrub to mountain plants.

“We currently have approximately 3,500 saplings growing from seed sown last year and have recently sowed seed for this year with the hope of getting a similar number of trees in 2025. It takes between 16 and 24 months to nurture willows from seed before they are ready to be planted out.

“Lewis’ role complements my work as the surveying provides evidence of the impact of habitat restoration and also informs priorities for practical action. By continuing our focus on mountain willow scrub at Ben Lawers, we’re reinforcing the site as a pioneer in the restoration of this priority habitat, helping to increase understanding and inspire and support other sites looking to undertake its reintroduction.”

Lewis and James’ roles and the nature conservation work at Ben Lawers is supported by funding raised by players of People's Postcode Lottery.