Scots Pine
Pinus sylvestris
Scots Pine is one of only three conifer tree species native to the British Isles; the other two being Yew and Juniper. It is common throughout the New Forest nowadays, although this follows reintroduction over the last 150 years as it was lost to overgrazing and unsustainable harvesting in the south of England some 400 years ago.
In current times its natural range extends from the UK in the west to Siberia in the east and from Turkey in the south to Lapland in the north.
The tallest specimens are thought to be growing in Eastern Europe where some trees have been measured in excess of 40m. In Scotland there are trees over 30m tall, but in the New Forest it is more common to see mature specimens half that size.
The tree has a striking overall appearance, often flat topped and with relatively short twisted branches. The young flaking bark has a distinctive orange colour which later turns grey and takes on a fissured form. The needles are formed in pairs, up to 5cm long and at maturity have a blue green tinge. On very young trees the needles may be single and flat.
Situation
Scots Pine is one of the most common larger conifer trees in the New Forest. It can be found growing singly, in groups, in gardens, woodland and on the open heath. Indeed it has become something of an invasive species onto areas of open heathland where the Forestry Commission now has work programmes to remove them to prevent loss of valuable ecological heathland habitat.
Season/Life cycle
| Flowers | Leaves | Fruit |
| Small yellow pollen cones and brown seed cones appear in late spring | Short, blue, twisted needles in pairs but 1 year seeding trees produce single, flat needles | Cones usually grow singly or in pairs and the black seeds develop a wing which aids in dispersal when the cones open in the autumn, two years after pollination |
Uses
Scots pines are planted as a commercial timber crop and, because they grow rapidly in early years, were deliberately introduced into the Forest to afford protection to slower growing species. The wood is used for building and has been widely planted to form windbreaks for otherwise exposed buildings. All parts of the tree make good firewood kindling.
