Specialist abseiling team deployed to tackle invasive non-native species (INNS) at Corrieshalloch Gorge in Wester Ross
What could’ve been confused for a scene from an action-packed Hollywood blockbuster was just a normal day for the National Trust for Scotland – as specialists abseiled down the sides of a perilous gorge to tackle invasive plant species at a Wester Ross beauty spot.
The gravity defying feat 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.
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The National Nature Reserve in Wester Ross is one of eight reserves cared for by the conservation charity across the country.
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.
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 sets out its ambitions to conserve the nature in its care, which the Trust has special responsibility for.
The plan 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 £900,000 last year.
Further funding will 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.
Head of Charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, Laura Chow, said: “Players of People's Postcode Lottery will be delighted to know that they are supporting the important work of the National Trust for Scotland to protect the biodiversity of our country’s beautiful landscapes.
“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.”
Players of People’s Postcode Lottery have now raised over £3.4m since 2014 to support the National Trust for Scotland. The funds are awarded through Postcode Earth Trust.
The Love Our Nature project supports the National Trust for Scotland’s vision to care for, protect and share Scotland’s nature, beauty and heritage for everyone, as outlined in its 10-year strategy, launched in 2022.
