Scot's Pine (pinus sylvestris)

This evergreen tree is the only truly native tree in the UK. It is thought to have spread into southern England from France about 10,000 years ago. Nowadays its only stronghold is the Caledonian Forest in the Highlands of Scotland, hence its name. It is estimated that pine forests in the UK now cover only 1% of the area they covered at their peak. 

It is easily identified by its pine cones and its needles, which always grow in pairs. Mature trees sport a scaly bark and generally live for 250-300 years, although some Scot's Pine trees are believed to have survived for well over 500 years. 

As such a longstanding member of the ecosystem, it is relied upon by a whole range of plants and animals. Even particular fungi and lichens survive thanks to Scot's Pine. Creatures such as wood ants, pine martens, foxes, red squirrels, mice, deer, birds and wildcats use the pine forests for food. Some feed directly on the pine cone seeds and bark of the tree, whilst others predate on the animals which the trees attract. Bird species found in pine forests include siskins, crossbills, chaffinches, tree creepers and crested tits.

Scot's pine is one of the strongest softwood timbers available. As such, it is used for a range of construction tasks. Its high resin content also means it is very slow to decay. Traditionally its roots were used to make tar.

In recent years, measures have been put in place to protect and promote its growth. In 2014 it was adopted as the national tree of Scotland.