FLS working with Raasay Development Trust to restore island habitats
Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) is teaming up with the Raasay Development Trust (RDT) to tackle a growing invasion on the island.
Lying between the Isle of Skye and the mainland of Scotland, Raasay is home to a rich environment, including nationally rare plants and globally rare habitats such as temperate rainforest but recent surveys showed 300 hectares – or 5% of Raasay – was also covered in the non-native and invasive Rhododendron ponticum plant.
If left unchecked, the island’s native plants and wildlife face the threat of being engulfed and wiped out as this plant takes over.
FLS is working in collaboration with the Raasay Development Trust (RDT) as part of Carbon Neutral Islands – a project for making the Islands of Barra and Vatersay, Cumbrae, Hoy, Islay, Raasay and Yell reach net zero by 2040 - to eradicate and halt the spread of Rhododendron.
FLS Assistant Operations Manager for the North Region, Luke Wilson, said:
“As a land manager on Raasay and across Scotland, FLS has seen and experienced first-hand the detrimental impact Rhododendron has on the environment. It is notoriously difficult to eradicate and control. It physically reduces the presence of native ground flora and interrupts natural regeneration of woodland and is toxic to many species.
“The collaboration and partnership with the RDT to remove and control Rhododendron on FLS sites supports both organisations ambitions to protect and enhance the island’s extremely rich biodiversity including rare temperate rainforests.
“It builds on the impressive control completed by RDT with other landowners and we are seeing the results of the control work and the benefits of local contractors doing the work. There is a high level of commitment and ownership which makes a real difference.”
The partnership on Raasay demonstrates the value of working closely with a local community and of FLS being open to innovative approaches.
Tom Lusink from the Raasay Development Trust said:
"Invasive plants like Rhododendron not only degrade biodiversity and ecological resilience but also damage the islands biggest carbon stocks and emissions sources, peatlands and woodlands, making it a crucial activity if the island is to reach net zero.
“We have set up the project to utilise a local workforce which provides work opportunities that are vital for small communities and invests into the local economy. In addition, having a locally based workforce which knows and cares for the land has proven highly effective.
“The support and agency FLS have given the project is vital, and this partnership is acting as stepping stone for closer collaboration on wider land management activities, ensuring they meet local needs."
Notes to editors
- Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) manages forests and land owned by Scottish Ministers in a way that supports and enables economically sustainable forestry; conserves and enhances the environment; delivers benefits for people and nature; and supports Scottish Ministers in their stewardship of Scotland's national forests and land.
- Media enquiries to media@forestryandland.gov.scot