Tree planting in the Falkland Islands

The Falkland Islands experience a cool, windy and relativelydry climate. The soil is typically shallow peat over clay, althoughdeeper peat is locally present, and the natural vegetation isgrass-heath with no native trees or large shrubs. Climatic andsoil conditions, lack of knowledge and inadequate protectionhave hampered past attempts to establish a wide variety of treespecies. Successful results have been largely confined to favourablesites near houses and gardens. A very few sizeable tree plotsexist, notably at Hill Cove, Roy Cove, Weddell Island and CarcassIsland. Tree planting prospects were appraised during a visitin 1983. The creation of effective shelterbelts appeared feasible,using modern establishment techniques developed in upland Britain,correct species choice, careful site selection, adequate beltwidth, protection against damage, good technical supervisionand patience. The most promising species are Cupressus macrocarpa,Picea sitchensis (Queen Charlotte Islands origin), Pinus contorta(coastal origins only), Pinus radiata and Nothofagus betuloides.Using the same species, limited planting for wood productionmay also be possible on a very few sheltered, moist, accessiblesites. Small scale amenity and shelter planting for houses andgardens is clearly practicable. Imported planting stock willbe necessary due to the impracticality of raising sizeable quantitiesin the Islands.