Juniper
Juniperus communis
UK Amber ListModerate📍 Eastern fells
Season
Year-round. Berries take two years to ripen.
Best time of day
Any.
Lake District
Eastern Lakes. Limestone. Scout Scar. Orrest Head. The berries are used for gin. Don't strip the bushes.
UK population
Declining. Fragmented populations.
Overview
Juniper is the gin plant. Those blue berries. Two years to ripen. The eastern Lakes. Scout Scar. Orrest Head. It's declining. Grazing and disease. Worth seeking out.
At a Glance
| Order | Pinales |
| Family | Cupressaceae |
| Habitat | Limestone · Heath · Woodland edge |
| UK population | Declining. Fragmented populations. |
| Lake District | Eastern Lakes. Limestone. Scout Scar. Orrest Head. The berries are used for gin. Don't strip the bushes. |
| Conservation | UK Amber List |
Where to See It
Limestone areas. The eastern Lake District. Orrest Head, Scout Scar. Also on some acid soils. Declining.
Identification
Conifer. Prickly needles. Blue berries. Low shrub or small tree.
Viewing & Photography Tips
Eastern Lakes. Limestone. Scout Scar. The berries. Don't strip them. Leave some for the birds.
Conservation Status
UK Amber List
This species is of moderate conservation concern. Population monitoring and habitat management in the Lake District support its continued recovery.
Plan your visit to the Lake District
RSPB Haweswater, Grizedale Forest, Leighton Moss. Practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.