Conservationists have made an impressive descent into the depths of a 60-metre gorge in the Scottish Highlands to combat the growing threat of invasive plant species, including the notorious Japanese knotweed. This daring effort took place in Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve, a stunning landscape within Wester Ross, where rope access specialists from the National Trust for Scotland (NTS) utilised their skills to address this critical environmental issue.

The intervention is part of NTS’s newly launched Plan for Nature, which highlights invasive non-native species (INNS) as a paramount concern contributing to biodiversity loss across Scotland. The gorge’s steep, inaccessible cliffs provide a challenging environment for conservationists working to protect native plant life from being overshadowed by invasive species such as rhododendron ponticum and giant hogweed. These species are not only detrimental to native flora but also disrupt local ecosystems, leading to a decline in biodiversity.

Rob Dewar, the trust’s INNS project officer, emphasised the significance of these operations, stating, “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 protect the places in our care.” The intervention involved a thorough survey of the area before applying targeted doses of herbicide specifically designed to eradicate these invasive plants. Such meticulous efforts help to maintain the delicate balance of the native ecosystem, which is threatened by the encroachment of non-native species.

The NTS aims to tackle six particularly troublesome invasive species on its estates: rhododendron ponticum, Japanese knotweed, giant hogweed, American skunk cabbage, salmonberry, and New Zealand broadleaf. The organisation also plans to keep a close watch on emerging invasive species, prioritising actions against those that pose significant ecological risks. This proactive strategy is crucial as it seeks to prevent the further deterioration of Scotland’s rich natural heritage.

Funding for these vital conservation efforts has been significantly bolstered by players of the People’s Postcode Lottery, who have supported NTS’s Love Our Nature project since its inception in 2022. Laura Chow, head of charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, praised the initiative, noting, “Tackling invasive non-native species is vital to ensure the survival of our native plant life by protecting the natural habitats in which they thrive.” The players’ contributions have exceeded £3.4 million since 2014, facilitating crucial work across various habitats including coastal and marine areas, peatlands, wetlands, and woodlands.

Efforts to tackle invasive species in Corrieshalloch Gorge are not new; in fact, such operations have been ongoing for several years. In 2018, NTS initiated similar operations, employing abseilers and local climbers to enhance their capacity to reach and manage these challenging sites. These earlier initiatives laid the groundwork for current projects, affirming a long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship in one of Scotland’s most cherished natural reserves.

The adventurous nature of these interventions, including the use of climbing and abseiling techniques, highlights both the seriousness of the invasive species crisis and the innovative approaches being taken to resolve it. As conservationists continue to tackle these ecological challenges, their work serves as a reminder of the need for ongoing vigilance and action to protect Scotland’s unique biodiversity for future generations.

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Source: Noah Wire Services