Rhododendron removal to protect areas of Scotland’s rainforests at Inversnaid
Work is underway to clear and control invasive rhododendron around Inversnaid to help protect and enhance areas of Scotland’s rainforests which are internationally important habitats
Why is rhododendron removal important?
Invasive Rhododendron at Inversnaid
Invasive rhododendron and other invasive non-native species are one of the key threats to our native woodlands.
Rhododendron grows into huge bushes with thick vegetation that blocks out sunlight and smothers most other wild plants and trees, stopping them from growing or regenerating. Its removal is a critical initial step to ensure these woodlands are healthy and can continue to adapt and remain resilient in the face of both the Global Climate Emergency and Biodiversity Crisis.
Rhododendron spreads by seed movement so, in order for the project to be successful and sustainable, we are removing all the invasive rhododendron present around Inversnaid. We are working with the surrounding land owners to achieve landscape-scale change.
Find out more about how we are working to tackle invasive non-native species like rhododrendron.
When will this work take place?
This project is being funded through NatureScot’s Biodiversity Challenge Fund and initial clearance work was completed in Spring 2022.
Following the initial clearance work, the National Park Authority has committed to carry out follow up treatment for the subsequent 10 years to ensure the project is sustainable in the long term.
(Film of pre-clearance, and updated film post-clearance due Winter 2022)
Will this have any impact visual impact?
The Initial clearance work has created numerous dead bushes in the area, but over the next few years these bushes will decay and be replaced by the native plant and tree seedlings which will create a healthy and resilient native woodland.
Work begins to remove invasive Rhododendron
Delivering for Scotland
This project will help deliver objectives in both our Wild Park action programme and Trees and Woodland Strategy and will contribute to the strategy agreed by the Alliance for Scotland’s Rainforests to help protect this important woodland for the future.
As well as delivering on national objectives, the project will also contribute to the ongoing Strathard and Trossachs landscape rhododendron control programme, which has been under way for the last six years, while also continuing existing partnership working between the National Park Authority, private landowners, Strathard Community Council, NatureScot and Forestry and Land Scotland in the Strathard area.
How can you help
You can help by reporting any rhododendron bushes you see on the West Highland Way between Cailness and Ben Ghlas. Please contact us on the below email address with a photograph of the bush and the what3words location.
If you have any queries about the project please contact our Trees and Woodland Advisor Simon Franks at landmanagement@lochlomond-trossachs.org.
To find out more about the projects funded through NatureScot’s Biodiversity Challenge Fund please see the storymap available on NatureScot’s website.