The Scots pine is the most ancient of Irish trees, though it is a matter of debate whether any Scots pine growing today are descendants of the ancient pines that recolonized Ireland after the last glacial period 9,000 years ago. So one can argue whether Scots pine is really a native tree or not (you’d have to be very pedantic not to treat it as one of our own).
However, evidence of ancient forests can be found in the bogs in the west of Ireland. Old stumps can also be found along the Galway shoreline near Silver Strand – a reminder of the time when Galway Bay was a saltwater swamp lines with pine forests.
The Scots pines in Clonbur Woods have begun the cycle of producing cones. The male cone pictured above is producing pollen which, if it reaches and fertilizes a female cone, will take a couple of years to mature to the familiar, hard brown cones that you’d see lying on the ground.
You’ll see plenty of Scots pines, as well as many other native species, on our biodiversity walk on Sunday in Clonbur Woods. Scots pine like acid soil, so the limestone pavement in Clonbur Woods is a challenge for them – you’ll see a number of stunted trees trying to grow through the limestone.