Gorge scramblers help to weed out invasive plants

They are two of the more knotty problems for gardeners both amateur and professional.

Now the National Trust for Scotland is going to extreme lengths – and depths – to protect one of Scotland’s most spectacular gorges from the effects of invasive plant species.

Gorge scramblers and abseilers are at work in Corrieshalloch Gorge in Wester Ross to tackle Japanese knotweed and rhododendrons.

Both species are also notorious for reducing biodiversity, causing the loss of local flora and fauna. Rhododendrons block sunlight and prevent other plants from growing, while Japanese knotweed can loosen river banks with its aggressive root systems.

Rob Dewar, nature conservation advisor (north) at National Trust for Scotland, said: “Both rhododendron ponticum and Japanese knotweed are a very serious threat to the rich diversity in the gorge.

“These plants are very extreme place a in to access, but we need to take thorough measures to make sure we identify the areas affected and remove the invasive species.”

The Trust is being helped by the gorge scrambling community, who are regular visitors to Corrieshalloch. The pastime involves people making their way up or down a mountain river course, jumping into pools, and swimming under waterfalls.

Mr Dewar added: “They are acting as our eyes in the difficult depths and corners of Corrieshalloch.”

THREAT: The National Trust for Scotland has recruited new support in its fight against Japanese knotweed and rhododendrons at Corrieshalloch Gorge in the Highlands