The threat of rhododendron in Scotland’s rainforest
Guest blog from Rob Dewar, INNS Project Officer for the National Trust for Scotland
I have been working in nature conservation for over 20 years in various roles as a volunteer, contractor, countryside ranger and nature conservation adviser and it has been very rewarding to be involved in land management that restores nature and allows native wildlife to thrive.
Despite the success stories we cannot be complacent, as biodiversity is under greater threat than ever with pressure increasing on native habitats across the globe. This includes Scotland – where around 18% of land is woodland cover and of that only 4% is native woodland where the biodiversity is the richest.
One type of woodland that is particularly special, existing in isolated remnants in the wettest parts of the British Isles is the temperate rainforest, and Scotland has some of the best. For me our Scottish rainforest is the most magical, fascinating, and absorbing of all woodlands to experience yet there is only 30,000 ha remaining, which is only about 1% of the original woodland cover.
My current role with the National Trust for Scotland involves controlling invasive non-native species (INNS). These pose one of the greatest threats to biodiversity and are having greater impact as they expand in range and abundance.
The most invasive plant, present in 40% of Scotland’s rainforest, is Rhododendron ponticum. It causes a lot of damage by choking the woodland ecosystem, pushing out uniquely specialised flora and fauna and ultimately preventing regeneration of the woodland. It is such a threat because it thrives in the same climatic conditions as the temperate rainforests in the west of Scotland. It can be controlled quite effectively with various techniques, but the problem is there is now so much of it and unlike other rhododendron cultivars its fertility means it seeds and spreads widely across the landscape.
Rhododendron ponticum growing in Scotland’s rainforest, pic - Caz Austen
‘Prevention’ is the international recognised tier of priority for INNS control, but INNS has not been high on the priority for many landowners historically. So, we now collectively have a big problem to deal with if we are to save rare habitats like Scotland’s rainforest.
From my perspective, working with the NTS to control of INNS, it is looking very positive. The NTS Wipeout project has obtained funding to remove INNS on NTS properties that has mainly involved Rhododendron ponticum. Some ‘green jobs’ have been provided and volunteers have been active in helping control work for many years. We have worked with community gardens on plant swap schemes to deal with seed sources and delivered workshops to promote stem treatment that is highly effective for ecological sensitive sites. We have also turned the ‘problem into a solution’ by producing biochar from dead rhododendron wood at Inverewe Garden. This is mixed with compost as a process of carbon sequestration and soil improvement.
So as a conservation charity, the NTS is playing its part, but INNS requires coordination and collaboration regionally and nationally. It needs a strategic approach supported by an operation framework and funding.
When I first became involved in invasive species and rhododendron control, there was a lot of media language like ‘alien invaders’ or sometimes we referred to rhododendron control as ‘rhody bashing’. You still hear this, but I much prefer to use the language of habitat protection or ecosystem restoration by protecting some of the most precious places – such as Scotland’s rainforest. That messaging is vital, and the Alliance for Scotland’s Rainforest has been so important in raising awareness.
My involvement through the NTS, as a partner organisation, within the ASR, has been very satisfying. The organisation is a great ‘think tank’ combining ecological and land-managing minds and has made great progress in giving Scotland’s rainforest the recognition it deserves – both political and publicly. This is vital if we are to ultimately be successful in controlling the INNS threat.
What needs to happen to build on some of the progress that has been made politically and by those landowners who value the protection of natural ecosystems? I feel Scotland’s rainforest may benefit from a designation that is politically recognised as a priority for protection with some strong targets to ensure what remains is ecologically in good condition. Further woodland expansion targets will ensure future resilience, but the targets will only be met if resource is provided to manage this special habitat. Delivery of the required management may be supported through ecological woodland advice built into a specific long-term grant that is regarded as an economic ecological investment.
Scottish legislation already recognises the threat of INNS as do horticultural organisations, but should biosecurity enforcement be tightened up so that rainforest is protected? I can see no counter benefit to allow INNS such as rhododendron to expand and reap further damage to ecosystems and the land as a resource. The Scottish Biodiversity Strategy and the GB INNS Strategy already outline the INNS threat, but the difficult part is creating an operational structure that identifies accountability for protecting biodiversity and implements procedure. In this respect I feel we may all have a part to play if we truly value such wonderful assets as the Scotland’s rainforest.
Rainforest without the rhododendrons: Ariundle NNR Ardnamurchan. Pic - Lorne Gill
Regional and catchment solutions to land management that involve INNS control will reap dividends with more regional and community engagement that vitally includes the landowning bodies. There is scope for more community empowerment and initiatives, local green jobs through regional INNS control teams in tackling INNS. Land stewardship with a collective interest that brings people together towards the same goal is key to success.
When I am present in a Scottish rainforest I feel a sense of place. My time spent living in the west Highlands connected me with what was special about the environment I lived in. The best-preserved Scottish Rainforests are so unique and biodiverse in a global context, but you don’t have to be an expert in plants to appreciate this. You just have to feel it. Let’s collectively do all we can to make a difference and break the mould of habitat reduction and destruction by nurturing or own rainforest to be bigger, healthier more robust and more resilient. Our forest breathe for us so we should breathe life back into them.
More information about Rhododendron ponticum
NTS - How to control Rhododendron ponticum
