Andrew Chick Ecology

Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia), or Mountain Ash, is one of the characteristic trees of the Cumbrian fells. Exceptionally hardy and tolerant of exposure, it can survive high on rocky slopes where few other trees manage to become established.

This solitary Rowan above Hartsop is growing from a rocky crag, where the steep ground probably offers some protection from grazing sheep and deer. Such inaccessible ledges can act as tiny refuges for native trees in an otherwise largely open fell landscape. Rowan is particularly well adapted to these conditions and can occur as scattered trees amongst the upland birch, juniper and oak communities of the Lake District.

Standing alone against the skyline, this tree is a striking reminder that parts of the Lakeland fells which today appear naturally treeless have been heavily influenced by centuries of grazing. Given the opportunity, hardy native trees such as Rowan can grow surprisingly high into the fells.