New tree species found in gorge - 30/12/09

Three new species of tree have been discovered by scientists at a well-known tourist spot in Somerset.

Cheddar Gorge is a habitat rich in wildlife and scientists found the new species after carrying out a survey of ?whitebeam trees.

The Somerset gorge is the largest in the UK and is difficult to research due to its steep cliffs which are up to 120 metres (400ft) high.

The team from the Welsh National Herbarium studied samples of the trees using Satnav technology to record their precise locations and DNA techniques.

The whitebeam trees reflect their name and have pale underside of their leaves which are covered in fine white hairs.

In all, eight species of whitebeam were found in the gorge, which is one of a number of hotspots for the type of tree along with the Wye Valley, Craig-y-Cilau in the Brecon Beacons, Avon Gorge in Bristol and the north Devon-Somerset coast.

The trees, which belong to the Sorbus family, are related to apples and pears and have small fruits that look like miniature red apples. There are now more than 30 known species of the tree in the UK.

Mark Courtiour, the National Trust's Somerset countryside manager, said: "We always wondered what whitebeam rarities might be lurking in the gorge as it's such a stunning place for wildlife.

"This important survey work will help with our management of the site now we know what we have and where they can be found."

New tree species found in gorge - 30/12/09

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