NATIVE TREES

RESEARCH

Nature has become more and more fragmented in the Low Countries, either through land development or extensive farming. Primary forests have not existed in this region since late medieval times. The offspring of these wild forests are still around, although they have become exceedingly rare. Only 3% of the Dutch forests consist of indigenous / wild populations as of today. Often, these wild trees are not recognized as such and not protected.

Preservation of our wild trees is vital. Aside from the fact that they are part of our historical and cultural heritage, they often contain a large genetic variation. Cultivars and selections for production are oft made and selected, based on certain desirable qualities. This reduces their genetic bandwidth. Especially wild populations provide a large source of genetic variability and are better equipped to adapt to climate change.

Since 2022, Morgan Ruben has stated a collaboration with Ecologisch Adviesbureau Maes (EAM). Commissioned by this agency, we work on the mapping of indigenous populations in the Netherlands. Likewise, we research the morphological differences between wild trees, cultivars and their counterparts from other areas in Europe. Often, this is still unknown.