© Dr. Bill Meek 2005
Juniper (Juniperus communis L.) forms an important component of a range of semi-natural vegetation types and is one of Britain’s three native conifer species. It is widely distributed throughout Britain in a variety of habitats but only in Scotland is it found as part of the woodland ecosystem. Juniper has been designated a Priority species due to its decline in distribution and poor population viability and regeneration ability.
Scotland-wide juniper survey
Investigating the extent and condition of woodland juniper on Forestry Commission (FC) ground formed our contribution to a Scotland-wide survey of juniper. The project aimed to provide the evidence on which to set priorities for regional action in the maintenance and restoration of juniper populations.
A sample of three 10km squares within each Natural Heritage Zone with historical records for juniper were selected and juniper occurrence mapped. Based on this, 1 km squares containing woodland, open ground and prostrate (J. communis subsp. nana) juniper populations were surveyed in detail. Information was collected on population size, health (disease, fire and browsing damage) and age structure of the bushes, and regeneration potential and characteristics of the sites where juniper grew.
Analysis of juniper extent and condition by 10 km squares provides an idea of where the species is secure to where it is extremely vulnerable. Areas have been identified for conservation action for all juniper types (open, montane and woodland); woodland juniper made up one third of the sample and a more detailed review of this data is underway.
Propagation and establishment practices
Recently there has been much interest among land managers in planting juniper either by expansion of existing populations or inclusion in new planting schemes. Guidance was needed on the best methods for growing juniper and for establishing plants in the field. Results from propagation and establishment trials carried out by Forest Research over the last 10 years have been drawn together in a FC Information Note 50:
Growing Juniper: Propagation and Establishment Practices (PDF-362K)
where implications of the findings for managers are discussed. Topics covered by the Information Note include:
- The advantages and disadvantages of growing juniper from cuttings or from seed
- Where and how to collect seed to maintain the genetic character of populations
- How to strike cuttings and germinate seed.
To help with successful establishment, advice is provided on the importance of weed control, types of shelters that are most effective and the impacts of fertiliser on bush growth. This guidance was targeted at managers involved in the practical management of juniper in the Uplands.
The project work was funded by Forestry Commission, Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and Plantlife and English Nature (EN). The work was carried out by Forest Research, SNH, EN, and consultant Andrew McBride.
