Rowan Berries: A Key Resource for Wildlife

As autumn unfolds on the Highlands Rewilding Estates rowan berries become a vital food source for local wildlife. Produced by the rowan tree (mountain ash), these berries are crucial for various species, particularly as other food sources dwindle during the colder months.

Rowan Tree on Tayvallich Estate

Why are rowan berries important?

Rowan berries offer essential nutrients, including carbohydrates, fibre, and vitamin C, which are important for the survival of many species in autumn and early winter.

1.     Bird species: Many bird species depend on rowan berries. The mistle thrush, blackbird, chaffinch, and redwing are common consumers. Migratory birds such as waxwings and fieldfares travel to Scotland from Scandinavia and other northern regions partly to feed on these berries, with their availability influencing migration patterns. Local species like bullfinches and lesser redpolls also benefit from these nutrients, aiding their winter survival. Crows and pigeons are also known to feed on rowan berries.

Rowan Tree on Bunloit Estate overlooking Loch Ness

2. Mammals: Various mammals consume rowan berries. Red, roe, and sika deer, commonly found on the Highlands Rewilding Estates, eat the fallen berries. Pine martens, important predators in the ecosystem, also include rowan berries in their diet. Red squirrels, a key species across Scotland, gather and store these berries for winter.

3. Insects: As rowan berries ripen, they attract various insects, which then support a range of wildlife. These insects, drawn to the berries, serve as prey for insect-eating birds and mammals, playing a critical role in the broader ecosystem.

Fly feeding on a Rowan Berry

4.     Ecosystem health and biodiversity: Rowan trees and their berries contribute to biodiversity on the Estates. By providing food for both herbivores and omnivores, rowan berries help maintain wildlife populations, contributing to a balanced and resilient ecosystem. Additionally, seed dispersal through consumption encourages the growth of new trees, supporting habitat restoration and landscape regeneration. The rowan tree enhances soil health, as its leaves and organic matter decompose, enriching the soil and supporting the growth of other plant species.

Slug feeding on a Rowan Berry

Rowan berries are a crucial resource for wildlife on the Highlands Rewilding Estates, supporting a range of species during autumn and winter. Their contribution to biodiversity and ecosystem health is a key aspect of rewilding efforts in the region. Rowan trees and their berries are vital to the ecological balance and long-term resilience of rewilding landscapes and the rich red colour are a joy to see as the autumn months approach.

Rowan Tree on the bank of the River Deveron at Beldorney Estate