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The Team
Autumnal acorn collection
Here at Dalkeith Country Park, in late autumn, the Park Rangers set out on an acorn collection excursion. Park Ranger, Kieran, tells us “in November 2022 we started to germinate 300 acorns from our own oak trees. We are thrilled to say it has been very successful”
So how have the acorns progressed? Let’s find out!
Acorn Germination
Last autumn when the leaves were golden and the acorns were abundant, we started planting our own acorns collected from the Old Oak Wood in The Park. We have been overjoyed with the success of our D.I.Y. cold frame with many of our acorns having germinated.
Woodland Diversity
We have collected a mix of both English and Cecile oak, which will provide a huge benefit to the woodlands across The Park.
One of the benefits of collecting the acorns from the old woodlands is that we are able to plant these oak trees straight into the SSSI. This will help to provide diversity in the age of the woodland.
SSSI Woodland
The Old Oak Woodland is precious because it has rare species of beetles and lichen living in it. That’s what makes it a Site of Special Scientific Interest and it’s why we want to keep it beautiful for generations to come.
The Work Continues...
The Park team are now tasked with potting up all of the oak tree seedlings. The hope is that many of the trees will thrive to become veteran oaks and will pass on their value in our SSSI woodland for generations to come.
Looking to find out more about the wildlife and nature that call Dalkeith Country Park home?