The Global Conservation Consortium for Whitebeams, Rowans and Service Trees works to bring together experts, conservationists, and the botanic garden community to ensure that no wild whitebeam, rowan and service tree species become extinct.
Co-led by the National Botanic Garden of Wales and Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, England, in collaboration with BGCI and other partners from across the genus’s range, The Global Conservation Consortium for Whitebeams, Rowans and Service Trees has been initiated to address the conservation needs of wild whitebeam, rowan and service tree species.
The goal of the Global Conservation Consortium for Whitebeams, Rowans and Service Trees is to mobilise a coordinated network of institutions and experts who work collaboratively to develop and implement a comprehensive conservation strategy to prevent the extinction of these species.
Sorbus is a taxonomically complex genus, comprising the whitebeams, rowans, and service trees. It contains approximately 250 species, and these are found primarily across the temperate northern hemisphere, with many species planted beyond their natural ranges.
Though familiar across many landscapes, the evolutionary significance of the group is often overlooked. An intricate web of hybridization, polyploidy and apomixis, has resulted in significant genetic diversification within the group, particularly in Eurasia, where some species are represented by only a handful of mature individuals. Understanding their evolutionary origins and breeding systems is crucial to effectively conserve genetic diversity within the group, and indeed to allow these evolutionary processes to continue, particularly in light of the current climate and extinction crises.
The group includes several highly ornamental trees, with various species noted for both foliage and fruit. Their relatively modest stature coupled with tolerance of challenging growing conditions has seen them become a popular choice for urban and amenity use. In both wild and urban environments they are an important food source for birds.
Several species hold great cultural significance, both in folklore and for their practical usage. S. aucuparia is strongly associated with mysticism; the Celts named it 'fid na ndruad', the wizards' tree, for its ability to protect against evil. Historically the fruits of S. torminalis, were used in the production of alcoholic drinks, while it is also valued for its durable timber, high quality examples of which can be used as veneer wood.
Sorbus species often inhabit cliffs and mountainsides, while some occur in lowland pockets of ancient woodlands. Amongst the Sorbus native to Britain and Ireland, all but seven are threatened with extinction. According to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, 18 are Critically Endangered, with 16 of these represented by less than 50 mature individuals in the wild. Many of the most threatened species exist in severely restricted populations, heightening their vulnerability to external threats.
Across Europe, the main pressures on Sorbus species are driven by quarrying and grazing, succession to tall woodland, deforestation and selective forestry. As such, many populations are restricted to rocky cliffs, where they are sheltered from grazing animals and competition for light. Changes in climate are likely to have an increased impact on such marginal habitats and exacerbate threats from pests and diseases. In addition, the challenge of accurate identification, particularly within polyploid taxa, may also contribute to inadvertent mis-management.
To address the ongoing conservation needs of Sorbus, a coordinated approach is required. With an initial focus on threatened species in the UK and Ireland, The Global Conservation Consortium for Whitebeams, Rowans and Service Trees will adopt an integrated approach to conserve these trees in situ and ex situ, while raising awareness of their significance.
The Global Conservation Consortium for Whitebeams, Rowans and Service Trees is led by:
National Botanic Garden of Wales
Middleton Hall
Llanarthne
SA32 8HN
botanicgarden.wales
and:
Westonbirt, The National Arboretum
Forestry England
Tetbury
Gloucestershire, UK
GL8 8QS
www.forestryengland.uk/westonbirt-the-national-arboretum
For questions or more information, or if you are interested in learning more about current GCC for Whitebeams, Rowans and Service Trees activities please contact Rosie Anderson (Westonbirt) and Alex Summers (NBG Wales).
The Consortium is focusing initially on threatened species within the British Isles, and additional operational regions will be characterised as consortium activities develop.
Botanic Gardens Conservation International’s work aims to promote and develop a more efficient, cost effective and rational approach to plant conservation in botanic gardens. We will do this by leading and advocating, leading innovative and strategic projects, building plant conservation capacity, and providing funding.
BGCI is an independent organisation registered in the United Kingdom as a charity (Charity Reg. No. 1098834) and a company limited by guarantee (No. 4673175).
