PICTURES: Staff at National Trust for Scotland operated Wester Ross visitor magnet Inverewe Gardens turn problems into opportunities with environmental scheme
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Experts at world-renowned Inverewe Garden in Wester Ross have been sharing the INNS and outs of their innovative conservation methods with local environmentalists.
The garden, cared for by the National Trust for Scotland, hosted a field visit from the Highland Environmental Forum (HEF) which provides a platform for discussion and action on environmental issues.
It proved a hot ticket with the visit fully subscribed by members from HEF. They were able to see first-hand how Inverewe has adopted a ground-breaking approach to controlling - and recycling - the waste wood from invasive non-native species (INNS) by converting it into soil improver, through its Project Wipeout efforts to give native flora space to thrive once again.
This work is possible thanks to the support of the players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
INNS such as rhododendron ponticum and Japanese knotweed are harvested and burned in a special kiln, an Exeter Retort, before being mixed with compost to make nutrient-rich biochar which is then spread as fertiliser for plants.
WATCH: Tractor delivery from Dingwall lightens the load at Inverewe
Turning a Problem into a Solution was the theme of the morning visit and Gareth Parkinson, Invasive Non-Native Species Ranger at Inverewe, was on hand to give a demonstration of biochar production. The control of INNS is necessary to preserve native species and habitats, and to develop a resilient biodiverse shelter belt at the Trust's most northerly heritage garden.
HEF members also visited the Inverewe aspen nursery to learn how another successful conservation story is unfolding - aspen trees are being propagated to enhance and genetically strengthen the population in the region.
The field visit was organised by Rob Dewar, Natural Heritage Adviser for the Trust, and Oliver Moor, a lichen and bryophyte expert who works with wild plant conservation charity, Plantlife.
Rob and Oliver’s knowledge and enthusiasm was in full swing as the group explored Inverewe and surround area on this well planned field day – especially when they were armed with hands lenses and discovered such wonderful species as coral lichen and tree lung wort in the enchanting Tollie oak woods by Loch Maree.
Martin Hughes, the Trust's operations manager at Inverewe Garden, said: "We were delighted to host the visit from members of the HEF and to help spread the word about the work we are doing here at Inverewe to enhance biodiversity and help meet the challenges of climate change."
Award-winning Inverewe has been in the care of the Trust since 1952 when it was gifted by the daughter of the garden's founder, Osgood Mackenzie, to the conservation charity.
