Where and how does the Scots Pine grow?
Roots of the Scots Pine can develop as deep taproots or as a shallow root system. This means it is very adaptable and can thrive in poor dry soils and at higher elevations. These qualities and the fact that it is also a good timber tree resulted in big plantations in the drier south-eastern parts of England e.g. Thetford Forest and the New Forest. It is a popular tree for planting on open and poor industrial sites because it can survive on poor soils. Wildlife and the Scots Pine The Scots Pine is excellent for wildlife. Lichens and insects grow around and in the cracks on the trunk. You may find Stump lichen, the Narrow headed ant and the Scottish wood ant in some of our native pine woods. Birds such as the Siskin, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Great Crested tit and Crossbill can feed well around a Scots Pine. In Scotland the Wryneck and Capercaille can be found living in some pinewoods. The level branches make good nesting places for birds of prey such as the Golden Eagle, Osprey and Gosh
