Latest news with #Rhododendronponticum
The National
05-06-2025
- General
- The National
Abseiling experts saving Highland beauty spots from invasive species
The project was undertaken to tackle the invasive non-native species (INNS), including Japanese knotweed and Rhododendron ponticum, that had established itself in the crags of the 60m deep gorge at Corrieshalloch Gateway to Nature. Property and conservation staff surveyed the gorge identifying sites where invasive plants had established themselves on the vertical cliff sides. Specialist rope access contractors have been deployed to wipe out the invasive plants by different methods – mainly using stem treatment to apply a targeted dose of herbicide. READ MORE: Island community take ownership of 5000-year-old Tomb of the Eagles The National Nature Reserve in Wester Ross is one of eight reserves cared for by the conservation charity across the country. The INNS project at Corrieshalloch is supported by funds raised by players of People's Postcode Lottery and awarded by Postcode Earth Trust. It follows the publication of the National Trust for Scotland's new plan for nature, which outlines the actions the charity will undertake to address INNS which have been identified as a main driver of nature loss in Scotland. Rob Dewar, National Trust for Scotland INNS project officer, said: 'Our work at Corrieshalloch is part of our ongoing nature conservation to remove invasive non-native species and demonstrates the extreme lengths we go to, to protect the places in our care. These gravity defying feats are undertaken by our rope access specialists who support our conservation efforts in these hard-to-reach places where these species can quickly establish themselves, like on the vertiginous sides of the gorge. 'The National Trust for Scotland's INNS work is focused on eradicating invasive non-native plants, including Japanese knotweed, American skunk cabbage and Rhododendron ponticum. The work helps to tackle these species and protect native flora from being crowded out of their natural habitat to safeguard the biodiversity of Scotland's wild landscapes. 'It is thanks to the continued generosity of our members and supporters, including players of People's Postcode Lottery, that we're able to continue our vital work to care for and protect Scotland's natural heritage at this special place for everyone to enjoy, now and into the future.' Players of People's Postcode Lottery have supported the conservation charity's Love Our Nature project since 2022, which benefited from £900k last year. Further funding is expected to support nature conservation work across a variety of different habitats including coastal and marine areas, peatlands, wetlands, woodland, and the eight National Nature Reserves cared for by the Trust.
The Independent
03-03-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Conservation charity secures Highlands estate bigger than Dundee
A nature conservation charity has secured a Highlands estate larger than the city of Dundee, hailing it as an 'important milestone' in tackling the climate crisis. The Scottish Wildlife Trust now owns the 7,618-hectare Inverbroom Estate following its largest ever land acquisition. The £17.5 million purchase has been made possible through a gift from a private donor – the largest donation in the trust's 60-year history. The charity said securing the site will enable it to significantly enhance its efforts to protect and restore wildlife at scale across Scotland. It is situated around eight miles south of Ullapool and the landscape is mainly peatland, ancient semi-natural woodland, farmland and numerous lochs and lochans. Trust chief executive Jo Pike said: 'Not only is the purchase of Inverbroom an important milestone for the trust, but also for Scotland's efforts to tackle the nature and climate crises. 'It is apt that we take ownership of the site on UN World Wildlife Day. 'The site includes some of Scotland's most iconic species and habitats, so we are delighted to have been able to secure it for the benefit of Scotland's wildlife and people, especially as there was also interest from overseas buyers. 'It has all been made possible by the incredible generosity of a private donor who is passionate about the part that Inverbroom can play in restoring our precious ecosystems, while delivering benefits for local people. 'We are extremely grateful to the donor for helping us secure this important site, and to our former chief executive and current Scottish Wildlife Trust ambassador, Jonny Hughes, who facilitated the donation.' The trust said at 7,618 hectares, the estate is larger than the city of Dundee which covers 6,300 hectares. Plans for the site include regenerating river woodland and temperate rainforest habitats, providing homes for creatures such as wood warblers and pine martens, and encouraging a wide range of mosses, lichens and fungi. Other ambitions include restoring peatlands and removing invasive species such as Rhododendron ponticum. The trust has made a commitment to the donor that none of the work at Inverbroom will be funded through the sale of carbon credits. It also plans to work alongside local farmers to promote sustainable agricultural practices that will benefit nature while maintaining a productive business model. Scott Renwick, whose family have farmed at Inverbroom for three generations, said: 'We as a family are delighted to have the opportunity to work alongside the Scottish Wildlife Trust. 'Our grandfather moved to Inverbroom in 1933, so the family have had a knowledge of the land for 92 years. 'There is an incredible diversity of wildlife on the estate, from sea level to 3,300ft, from seals on the shore to ptarmigan on the tops. 'It is exciting to be involved with a highly respected organisation who will take traditional hill farming and wildlife preservation hand in hand, so that we can continue to farm at Inverbroom in such a way as to protect the natural environment.' The site is bordered to the east by two rivers, the Broom and the Cuileig, and to the south by two Munros, A' Chailleach and Sgurr Breac. Two bridges on the estate were designed by Sir John Fowler, chief engineer on the construction of the Forth Road Bridge, who once owned Inverbroom in the 19th century.
