To mark National Juniper Day on 15 March, Plantlife Scotland are launching an appeal for volunteers to help them record the health of juniper throughout Scotland over the coming months.
Over the last two years a deadly fungal disease (Phytophthora austrocedrae) has been having a potentially devastating effect on the ancient gin-giving bush, and it continues to face a number of other significant threats.
Juniper has been lost from a quarter of areas where it was previously found across the UK and Plantlife are deeply concerned about its future.
"Juniper with its blueish green needles and green or black berries is easy to identify," said Deborah Long from Plantlife Scotland.
"On National Juniper Day and we are asking people to help us from now until September to complete a survey form every time they see juniper in Scotland."
Recent juniper studies in Scotland show:
- 40% of surveyed juniper sites in Scotland had fewer than 10 plants. Small populations are more likely to go extinct
- Seedlings were recorded at only 15% of sites for common juniper. Without seedlings, populations will die out
- 67% of recorded plants were mature / old or dead. Unless the surrounding land is managed in a way to enable these mature plants to set seed, these populations will die out
"If you are planning to go out walking then this is the ideal opportunity for you to take part," said Deborah Long.
"We are especially interested in any orange or brown bushes, which could indicate infection by Phytophthora austrocedrae – although other causes, such as frost or grazing animals, could be to blame.
"If such symptoms are seen people should document this on their survey form but ensure they either keep out of the area altogether or, if that is not possible, keep well away from such bushes.
"We would also ask people to avoid wet areas and clean mud thoroughly from their boots, equipment and animals when they leave."
Find out more and take part in the juniper survey.
Comments