Future Trees Trust Joins Europe‑Wide MyGardenOfTrees Experiment to Support Climate Adaptation Research
A New Common‑Garden Experiment Planted in Oxfordshire
Future Trees Trust has recently planted a small common‑garden experiment of European beech as part of MyGardenOfTrees, a large European science network led by the Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL. This initiative brings together researchers across the continent to understand how tree populations respond to different climatic conditions.
Seed Collections Across the Natural Range of Beech and Silver Fir
The project began in 2022, when researchers collected more than 3,000 kg of silver fir cones and 800 kg of European beech nuts from across the natural distributions of both species. These collections covered a wide geographical range, including regions such as Georgia and Iran.
Building a Continental Network of Trials
More than 300 trials have now been planted across Europe. The aim is to develop a prediction tool that will help foresters build forests that are better adapted to climate change. By testing populations of trees in different climates, researchers will be able to identify material that performs well under future conditions.
The UK Contribution to the Project
The United Kingdom joined the project in 2023 to provide important data on northern oceanic climatic conditions. This involvement represents strong collaboration between UK institutions within the forestry sector. Forestry England raised the trees for two years at their Abbots Moss tree nursery, while Future Trees Trust and Forest Research collected data and are responsible for planting trials in England and Scotland.
Research Leadership and Fieldwork
Domen planting at Craven Field for the MyGardenOfTrees Project
Future Trees Trust Senior Researcher, Domen Finzgar, has been involved in the UK effort from the beginning. His work includes welcoming seeds at the port in Newcastle, delivering material to Abbots Moss, collecting early growth data, transporting seedlings, and helping to plant them with the Future Trees Trust team at Craven Field in Oxfordshire.
Next Steps for 2026
A new experiment will be established in autumn. This additional work will contribute further data to the European network and strengthen understanding of how beech and silver fir populations respond to changing environmental conditions.
