Introduction to Eigg's Tree Planting Initiative
A small Hebridean island, Eigg, is cultivating tens of thousands of trees to establish a sustainable source of wood for fuel and to enhance natural habitats.
Eigg lacks mains electricity, and its approximately 80 residents depend on small renewable energy schemes and stoves to provide lighting and heating in their homes.
Over the past five years, the island community has planted more than 50,000 trees grown from seeds gathered from the island's native woods and a forestry plantation.
The young trees, which are well suited to the island's windy conditions, have also been distributed to other islands such as Uist and Barra.
Geography and Community Ownership
Eigg is part of the Small Isles group, which includes Muck, Canna, and Rum, located off Scotland's west mainland coast.
The island is situated about 12 miles (19 km) from Mallaig and measures roughly six miles (10 km) in length and four miles (6 km) in width.
In 1997, Eigg became one of Scotland's first community buyouts, with the islanders assuming ownership and control of the island.
Tree Nursery and Local Management
Tasha Fyffe, a native of Eigg, manages the island's tree nursery.
The nursery began in 2018 with a few seeds planted in outdoor beds, and in 2019, a large commercial plastic tunnel was imported from the mainland to support growth.
Fyffe emphasized that trees grown locally have a higher survival rate than those imported from the mainland.
"Different species grow in different parts of the island, and they have adapted to the climate - it can often be very windy here,"
said Fyffe.
"That genetic memory is passed through to the seeds."
Tree Species and Community Involvement
The species cultivated include native hazel, birch, and oak.
Volunteers at the nursery have included local schoolchildren, and Fyffe noted that the project has enabled her to explore less frequented areas of the island.
Thousands of trees have been exported not only to Muck, Canna, and Rum but also to communities on the west Highland mainland.
Historical Trade and Current Outreach
An order for trees from crofters in Uist and Barra in the Western Isles led to the discovery of an intriguing aspect of Hebridean history.
"There was an old trade route from Eigg to the other islands,"
said Fyffe.
"Eigg used to trade hazelnuts to Uist and Barra in return for any goods they had."
Funding and Future Plans
The tree nursery is currently conducting a crowdfunding campaign to support its ongoing operations, including the distribution of more trees to the Highlands and Islands.
