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The Hebridean Ark Tree Project
On the Outer Hebrides, a group of islands near the Scottish mainland,
an ambitious tree-planting project has started. Called the Hebridean Ark
Tree Project, it aims to return the islands to their ancient state of thick
forest cover. Getting trees to grow on the islands is a challenge, however.
The climate is harsh, with low average temperatures and strong winds
that spray the land with saltwater, which harms trees if it is absorbed
through their roots. In addition, much of the ground consists of peat, a
nutrient-poor mixture of organic materials. Peat forms when low
temperatures, water, and a lack of oxygen result in organic matter, such
as dead plants, failing to decay completely. Furthermore, animals, such as
deer and sheep, will almost certainly feed on young trees. To deal with
the peat problem, instead of growing trees on top of the peat, the project
the edges. Keeping animals away is less
will grow them
on
straightforward, however, as fencing may be impractical, and reducing
their numbers would cause controversy.
allonges those involved in the project believe it
KIER
