Planting a tree for the Jubilee

Gleneagles’ Managing Director, Conor O’Leary, took part in our tree planting ceremony and said: “We’re thrilled to be able to take part in such a worthwhile initiative. At Gleneagles we are blessed to be surrounded by such breathtaking scenery and beautiful flora and we understand the role we have to play as an hotel and sporting estate in supporting and maintaining the special habitat we’re part of.

“We’ve used the opportunity to plant not just one additional sapling but 28. This grove of saplings we’ve introduced onto our estate will enhance the local environment and last for generations to come and so I was delighted to be joined by colleagues from across our teams at Gleneagles to begin the planting.

“I also enjoyed toasting the trees’ health and longevity with a nip of whisky from a quaich – a very important part of the tradition!”

Conor was joined at the tree planting by Director of Agronomy Scott Fenwick, Food & Beverage Apprentice Tegan Howett, Gardener Emily Gibbs and Head Chef Jasbir Saini.

Some further facts about our new mighty oaks!

– All 28 of the saplings planted were Sessile Oak (Quercus petraea).

– Squirrels, jays and badgers love their acorns, while caterpillars flock to eat their leaves.

– The bark provides a habitat for mosses, lichens and liverworts and the cavities are home to nesting birds and roosting bats.

– Flower and leaf buds of English and sessile oak are the food plants of the caterpillars of purple hairstreak butterflies.

– The soft leaves break down with ease in autumn and form a rich leaf mould beneath the tree, supporting beetles and numerous fungi, such as the oakbug milkcap.

– Oak trees support more wildlife than any other native trees. On one alone oak you can find 326 species of wildlife and 257 species of insect.