Blasted!

 

Storm Eowyn (24th January, 2025) devastated Scotland's four Royal Botanic Garden sites. Numerous tall trees crashed to the ground (especially in Benmore), also damaging smaller plants. It's estimated that 700 species of plants (many rare and/or endangered) were damaged. The Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew is now sending a team of skilled arborists (tree specialists) to help with the clean up. It's estimated that several years of work will be required to save the plants (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/feb/08/kew-rescue-mission-arborists-head-to-scotland-after-hundreds-of-trees-and-plants-felled-by-storm-eowyn). Some folk suggest replacing some of the exotic tree species with more resilient local varieties (like oaks). This, however, somewhat negates the point of having botanic gardens. People pay to see the exotics, especially when they are impressively large. These plants can also be a 'hedge' (pun intended) against species loss in other parts of the world. Kew is involved in restoration programmes. Others advocate using the 'opportunity' to plant exotic species that have, until now, only thrived in southern parts of the UK. They are convinced that climate change will result in Scotland soon being warm enough. This may not work. Ambient temperatures may well increase but severe storms, like Eowyn, will also increase in frequency and intensity. Storm damage to botanical gardens is likely to become a regular event?