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Alan Watson Featherstone

ECOLOGIST, NATURE PHOTOGRAPHER AND INSPIRATIONAL SPEAKER
FOUNDER OF THE AWARD-WINNING CHARITY TREES FOR LIFE

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An Introduction to Plant Galls

An Introduction to Plant Galls

Galls are the abnormal growth of plant tissues that are induced on plants by other organisms, including insects, mites, fungi, bacteria and some viruses. Over 1,000 different types of galls have been recorded in the UK, with some such as the witches broom galls on birch trees, or robin’s pincushion galls on dog rose, being common and well-known. They consist of a remarkable diversity of shapes and forms, and many have fascinating relationships with other species.

This informative and insightful talk is illustrated with stunning high quality photographs and is full of interesting details about the whole range of different gall types that occur in Scotland and the Caledonian Forest. Ideal for those with an active interest in ecology or the curious layperson alike, this presentation provides a wealth of knowledge about one of the remarkable phenomena in Nature that is often overlooked.

If you would like me to give this talk to a group or at an event, please contact me.

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My TEDx talk – Restoring the ancient Caledonian Forest.

TEDx TEDx – Restoring the Caledonian Forest

Recent posts

  • The abundant life of dead wood, part 3
  • The abundant life of dead wood, part 2
  • The abundant life of dead wood, part 1
  • Gannets galore, part 2
  • Gannets galore, part 1

News

  • Rewilding workshop in Glen Affric 10-17 October 2026
  • Rewilding workshops in 2024
  • ‘A Rewilding Journey’ Workshop 27 May – 3 June
  • 2023 Caledonian Forest Engagement Diary now available
  • Revised dates for our next Rewilding workshop: 15 – 22 October 2022.

I’m speaking at…

  • A Rewilding Journey: Rewilding the World and Ourselves – 10 October 2026–
    17 October 2026
  • Over on X (Twitter)…

    Alan Watson Featherstone Follow

    Ecologist, nature photographer and inspirational speaker. Founder of the award-winning charity Trees for Life that is restoring the Caledonian Forest.

    AlanWatsonFeat1
    alanwatsonfeat1 Alan Watson Featherstone @alanwatsonfeat1 ·
    14h

    Common polypody ferns (Polypodium vulgare) on the moss-covered trunk of a tree beside cascades on the Allt na Imrich watercourse, in the Caledonian Forest in Glen Affric yesterday.

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    alanwatsonfeat1 Alan Watson Featherstone @alanwatsonfeat1 ·
    15h

    The bark of a Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) is like a multi-layered jigsaw puzzle of beautiful, organically-shaped pieces, and is different on each tree. Every pine is as unique & individual as each person is. I photographed these ones in Glen Affric yesterday.

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    alanwatsonfeat1 Alan Watson Featherstone @alanwatsonfeat1 ·
    16h

    Branches of a rowan tree (Sorbus aucuparia) with ripe berries on them, beside cascades on the Allt na Imrich watercourse, in the Caledonian Forest in Glen Affric yesterday.

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