A PLANT hunter has returned to West Devon from a research trip to the Caucus Mountains in Georgia.

Paul Bartlett, garden manager at Stone Lane Gardens, Chagford has spent the last three weeks searching for the Mingrelian birch (Betula megrelica) in northern Georgia.

Three years ago, Paul began the project to find and conserve these special trees. A relict species isolated during the last ice age, Mingrelian birch trees are found only in a small area of Georgia.

The locations of wild specimens were poorly recorded and examples in Russian botanic gardens had died. Paul realised that without prompt action, these beautiful trees could be lost forever.

Working with botanists from the Botanic Gardens of Georgia in Tiblisi, and generously funded by National Geographic and Botanic Gardens International, Paul has located more specimens than had previously been recorded and discovered the habitats to where the trees have retreated.

Paul said: ‘These rare trees are under threat from illegal logging and grazing by local goat herds. Having confirmed that these trees are a distinct species, we are now ready to begin the practical conservation phase of the project.’

On this, his third research trip, Paul has combined both botanical searches in the mountains and meetings with local schools and government ministers, to raise awareness of the trees and their plight, and to begin developing conservation plans.

Paul and his Georgian colleagues met with Giorgi Shervashidez, Deputy Minister for Education and Science and Nona Khelaia, senior specialist of the Biodiversity Protection Service, to discuss the project and investigate ways the conservation element can be taken forward.

Meeting local teachers, Paul explored the opportunities for Georgian schools to link with Devon schools and use the lesson plans and educational resources developed by Stone Lane Garden’s education officer Alison Couch.

She said: ‘It is really important we help the next generation of Georgians learn about these really special trees struggling to survive on their doorstep.’

Alison is now looking for local Devon schools who would be interested in getting involved and making links with schools in Georgia. It is hoped the lessons will encourage schools to explore this amazing region and encourage an interest in practical conservation projects.

Alison said: ‘This is a brilliant opportunity for children both here and in Georgia, to learn about a totally different country. Encouraging outdoor learning and getting children interested in botany and nature conservation from a young age is increasingly important in our technology-driven world.’

If you are interested in becoming a partner school please e-mail Alison at alison.couch@stonelane gardens.com or take a look at the website www.stonelane gardens.com