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Cumbria is an important county for juniper trees having more extensive stands than anywhere else in England. But due to changes in management, juniper is at risk of dying out. Only by taking action now can we ensure that juniper does not deteriorate or decrease in size or number.
Categories
Situation
Previously, juniper trees were highly valued for their berries, for gin, and as a source of firewood - ensuring sympathetic management. Today, changes in the way the trees are used and managed has led to a distinct risk that they will deteriorate, decrease in number and ultimately die out. The extinction of juniper would represent more than the loss of a single species. Juniper is the specific host for over 40 species of invertebrate and fungus.
Solution
Cumbria Wildlife Trust will gain an accurate picture of the condition of juniper sites in Cumbria. We will then develop a course of action to improve the condition, increase the size of and to protect existing juniper stands at risk of becoming moribund. This work will include positive management and targeted planting of saplings germinated from seed collected in the local area.