6 Jan 2025

Innovation in the Highlands: sharing conservation projects

Written by Rachael MacRae

A white bag of Biochar compost stands in a flower bed of pink flowers.

Biochar compost at Inverewe Garden

Our team in the Highlands & Islands recently hosted an exchange visit with representatives of the Dúlra project in Ireland, to share learnings and showcase the vital protection of peatland and woodland.

Based in the Irish counties of Mayo and Connemara, Dúlra (which means ‘nature’) is part of the nine-year Wild Atlantic European LIFE project. Integrating work with farmers, local communities and landowners, the project aims to restore and protect Irish peat bogs and temperate rainforest from the threat of invasive rhododendrons. The project’s success relies on the collective commitment of all stakeholders to preserve the natural heritage of the unique landscape in the west of Ireland.

To date, the main scope of Dúlra’s work has been addressing the serious issue of the spread of Rhododendron ponticum in ecologically sensitive upland habitats, with efforts targeting three Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) in Connemara, Co. Galway and in southwest Co. Mayo. The project currently employs around 20 field operatives to control the rhododendrons.

At the National Trust for Scotland, we have similar challenges, so the Dúlra project representatives were interested in learning more about the Trust’s partnership work and our innovation around the production of biochar from rhododendron wood at Inverewe.

A purple-flowered rhododendron grows in amongst pine trees and ferns in a densely planted area.

The visit began in Torridon where Rob Dewar (Invasive Species Project Officer at the Trust) demonstrated how our conservation charity has been working with the community to remove Rhododendron ponticum and plant alternative, non-invasive species. Rob explained how the Trust has led on the use of ‘stem treatment’ and also described our partnership with Alliance for Scotland’s Rainforest.

Rob Dewar said: ‘Working with Alliance for Scotland’s Rainforest (ASR) has been a very satisfying experience as there is a wealth of knowledge within the partnership that we all share. Rhododendron ponticum is one of the major threats to Scotland’s rainforest, and the ASR has been able to raise awareness of the problem. The Trust has been so successful in the control work of this invasive plant, and has made some valuable contributions. One of these is a beautiful short film of control work within the rainforest, which can be found on the ASR website.’

The Trust is also part of the Glen Torridon Partnership Project that aims to enhance and protect native habitat in the glen, expand areas of Scottish rainforest, and control the threat of Rhododendron ponticum.

A burn runs down a hillside area. Thick and dense rhododendrons surround the banks.

A burn runs down a hillside area, with a small waterfall at the bottom. The banks have been recently cleared of vegetation, allowing pine and silverbirch trees to be seen more clearly.

The Dúlra team then met Kevin Ball (Head Gardener at Inverewe Garden), who explained how the invasive rhododendrons in the garden shelterbelt had been harvested to produce biochar, using a retort kiln that burns at extremely high temperatures.

The biochar is then mixed into the compost and applied back into the garden to both improve the soil and lock in carbon. This whole process, including its interpretation, was selected for the initial shortlist for the RSPB 2024 Nature of Scotland Awards in the ‘innovation’ category.

Quote

“In 2021, I was excited to bring the possibility of introducing biochar to the Trust, which could be game changing environmentally. In doing so, we have been able to manage invasive species that are detrimental to our woodland environment, and reduce our carbon footprint.
It’s heartening to know so many organisations and individuals are also following this line of thought to help preserve and manage their rainforests.”

Kevin Ball

Head Gardener, Inverewe Garden

A barrel-shaped metal kiln stands on a trailer in front of Inverewe visitor centre.

The Inverewe retort kiln, on the move!

The kiln also featured on a recent visit to Torridon from the Inverness Feminist Bird Club. Rory Shannon (ranger at Torridon Estate) and Jess Carnegie (Community Engagement Officer) provided a tour and guided demonstration. The group then explored Rhododendron ponticum management on the estate, learning about the kiln and its benefits for the Trust. The kiln is now on loan to the Woodland Trust Scotland, which will be producing its own biochar as part of rhododendron control at the recently acquired Couldoran property near Ben Shieldaig.

A group of young women stand outside listening to someone speak. The tall Torridon mountains are behind them.

A young woman stands on tiptoes and looks at a large metal kiln, which has been parked in the glen at Torridon.

A young woman wearing a cap and a waterproof jacket leans over to examine part of a large metal kiln, which is parked on a trailer.

Rainforest conservation is a priority in the National Trust for Scotland’s vision to care for, protect and share Scotland’s nature, beauty and heritage for everyone, as outlined in our 10-year strategy, launched in 2022.

Our Strategy

Our new strategy – Nature, Beauty & Heritage for Everyone – provides a framework for the future of the National Trust for Scotland as we look towards our centenary in 2031.