A FALLEN tree has been memorialised by harvesting the surviving young shoots to replant in the future.

Project managers Forestry England and Northumberland Wildlife Trust of the Kielderhead Wildwood project are appealing to nature lovers, after one of the oldest northerly Scots pine trees in the Scaup Burn area of Kielder was brought down by Storm Arwen's gale force winds.

The 110-year-old tree was one of only seven Williams Cleugh Scots Pine trees left.

Natasha Hemsley, who is involved with working on the project, said: "We were all so upset that the tree has fallen."

"The whole reason for the project was to prevent the loss of the pines and conserve the DNA from the last population of such an iconic tree. But, by grafting and re-planting, the legacy of the pines is set to live on, so please help us if you can," she added.

The trees are believed to be the only truly native Scots pine in England.

The fallen tree's legacy will be preserved as project managers teamed up with tree seed collection specialists, Forestart Nursery in Shropshire, to harvest the tree shoots to plant in future.

Restoration work will be costly. The project is appealing for anyone with extra cash to support the operation.

Due to the specialist skills needed, the cost of the process is £12 for each tree, but the vital work will ensure the longevity of the species.

Anyone wishing to offer support can visit www.nwt.org.uk/donate and select Kielderhead Wildwood.