Chris Skinner's Countryside Podcasts Episode 2.50 - Cannon-Seeded Conifers and Winter Warmth
Dec 14, 2025
In a delightfully mild December, Chris and Matthew explore the intriguing European larch, a deciduous conifer with a rich history. They recount the Duke of Atholl's whimsical cannonball-seeding of these trees on Scottish hillsides. Recent rains have transformed the Tass Valley into a shimmering retreat, nourishing diverse wildlife. The duo highlights their overwinter wild bird seed mix, attracting a vibrant array of birds, while Chris describes the charm of a little owl soaking up the winter sun—an enchanting moment in nature.
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Deciduous Conifer With Long-Lived Cones
- European larch is a deciduous conifer that sheds its needles each autumn to avoid frost damage.
- Its cones hold seeds for years and release papery winged seeds that feed species like crossbills and bramblings.
Cannonball Seed-Planting Tale
- The Duke of Atholl famously fired wooden cannon shells filled with larch seed to plant mountainsides.
- Chris recounts this quirky 18th-century method and its role in spreading millions of larches on estates.
Larch Is A Fast, Useful Timber Tree
- Larch grows fast and can be harvested for timber at ~35–40 years, unlike many hardwoods.
- Older larches may stop thickening but continue to produce spectacular seasonal foliage and cones.