BIODIVERSITY
Aspen is important for biodiversity, supporting a wide range of flora and fauna, including rare priority species.
The tree supports an astonishing range of species, from the tiniest of lichens to large woodland birds and mammals.
Aspen fact:
266 fungi, about 300 lichens, at least 35 bryophytes, 25 moths and 39 species of deadwood-dependent flies have been recorded on aspen in Scotland.
In Scotland, four UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) species rely on aspen: the dark-bordered beauty moth, aspen hoverfly, aspen bristle-moss and blunt-leaved bristle-moss. Critically, different species rely on the myriad niches provided by aspen at different stages of the tree’s life cycle – young regeneration, smooth bark, rough bark, deadwood, trees that grow close together and those that offer open glades. This means that multigeneration stands of aspen, with all their structural complexity, support more life.
