Scottish Plant Conservation Programme

at least 75 per cent of threatened plant species in ex situ collections, preferably in the country of origin
at least 20 per cent available for recovery and restoration programmes

Scottish Plant Conservation Programme area of the Nursery is devoted to the conservation of the native plants of Scotland (Target 8).

The area has been successful in propagating many of the Scotland’s threatened plants and has lead the way in developing protocols for reintroduction of species into the natural environment.

Notable successes include native Sorbus such as Sorbus arranensis, (Arran Whitebeam, Gall-uinnsean Arainneach) and Cicerbita alpina, (Alpine Blue-sow-thistle, Bliochdan Gorm Ailpeach). For both a methods of propagation and cultivation had to be developed, maintaining and recording the genetic spread.

Sorbus arranensis

young plants growing in pots

Cicerbita alpina production

What we do

We use our horticultural skills to contribute to the conservation of Scottish native plants and ensure the sustainability of Scotland’s magnificent landscape.