Knapdale Restoration Project
Knapdale. Credit Philippa McKee
This project aims to work with landowners and communities in the Knapdale area to develop and deliver landscape-scale restoration, starting with the control of Rhododendron ponticum (rhododendron). We will also work in partnership with landowners and communities to promote appropriate deer control to further the restoration of native woodland.
Funding has been secured to undertake drone surveys for rhododendron in part of North Knapdale, completed early 2023. These areas are being developed into a delivery phase of rhododendron clearance through a variety of funding streams.
Knapdale is well positioned to be a definable landscape-scale project with clear geographical boundaries. It has sea lochs on three sides, the Sound of Jura to the west, Loch Fyne to the east and Loch Tarbert to the south. The north side is bound by the Crinan Canal and Mhoine Mhor Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It is a large, consolidated landscape area of approximately 40,000ha sitting within the ‘rainforest zone’ containing many woodland SSSIs, Special Area of Conservation sites, and other areas of ancient native and semi-natural woodland amongst a large area of production forest land.
This globally important habitat is facing significant threats from conflicting land use objectives, over-browsing by herbivores, and invasive species such as Rhododendron ponticum. There is a high proportion of publicly owned and managed land.
Argyll Countryside Trust (ACT) have had positive engagement with landowners and communities across the area, who are interested in rainforest restoration. This consultation has not been exhaustive, so we are clear that we are not able to represent all landholders across the area. So, if you are a landowner in the area who would like to discuss this with us, we would very much welcome your thoughts and insights.
ACT have a Rainforest Squad - a trained workforce able to undertake rainforest restoration by removing threats and promoting recovery. Through this Squad, and the training programme leading into accessing it, we are providing local employment and skills development.
We also have a Rainforest Hub at Kilmory where our tree nursery, community bike scheme and pre-school outdoor learning centre are also based. The Hub is a place for communities involved in rainforest in Argyll and beyond to gather, learn and exchange information.
Project aims
To work collaboratively with landowners and local communities to promote rainforest restoration, starting with population-scale rhododendron control.
To work with volunteers and to promote volunteering opportunities on rainforest initiatives.
To investigate funding models and explore where private finance can be used to invest in rainforest regeneration.
To reduce herbivore impact to a level at which natural regeneration can occur.
To identify opportunities to reconnect and integrate rainforest throughout the landscape of Knapdale.
To identify opportunities to integrate rainforest into the agricultural landscape.
Project partners
ACT are working to care for and enhance Argyll's nature for the long-term benefit of everyone who lives, works and visits here. We bring together communities, businesses and agencies to secure a thriving and resilient future for our area’s natural capital and the benefits it generates for people and nature.
For more information contact: Philippa McKee, Woodland Coordinator, ACT Habitats Manager
philippa@act-now.org.uk
