Ardross Castle is set in beautiful landscaped gardens, and surrounded by native Oak woodlands. BTCV Scotland have been working with Ardross Castle for over 13 years, helping to remove and control the spread of Rhododendron ponticum within the woods. The removal of non-native invasive species from the area is a key target of the Highland Biodiversity Action plan, so this work is very important. By taking a walk through the areas previously cleared, there are encouraging signs of regeneration, the woods are very pretty during the late summer and will provide the backdrop for our work here.
Rhododendron ponticum was introduced to the UK during Victorian times (although pollen analysis shows it was native to the UK before the last ice age), primarily as game cover. Since then it has spread rapidly, particularly on the west coast of Britain, in certain areas creating a thick blanket of impenetrable foliage, which supports very little else. Plants and tree seedlings cannot compete for the resources they need to grow and over time as the trees age and die, the woodland is slowly given over to the Rohododendron ponticum, a few mosses and fungi able to tolerate the conditions.
To increase biodiversity in the woodland and to allow herb and plant species to recover, we shall be cutting and burning the mature rhododendron and handweeding any new regrowth.
This is a lovely location for a project and at the end of each day you will be able to see the results of all your hard work as the woodland opens up before your eyes.
We will be staying close to site in simple accommodation, there are showers on site, a small kitchen, and a small living room. The bedrooms are 'open plan' and we will provide carry matts / airbeds and blankets for your use. On previous holidays some volunteers have preferred to camp, so bring your own tent if you fancy the outdoor lifestyle.
There is a lot to see and do in Easter Ross, bring your binoculors if you have them - the Black Isle nearby, is a stronghold of the Red Kite, Osprey fish the Cromarty firth, and you may spot the resident Bottlenose dolphins from the beach at Fortrose. Visit the local museum at Fortrose and learn more about the Picts or head towards Inverness and Loch Ness and enjoy the scenery.
Once again, we shall aim to source as much of our food as locally as possible(organic too, where appropriate).
Visit Highlands Website - Black Isle
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| Code | AB087 |
| Location | Scotland - Easter Ross |
| Pick-up |
Train Station (Inverness) |
| Pick-up time |
5:00 pm |
| Accommodation |
Simple |
| Work type |
Habitat Management |
| Facilities |
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| Min Age | 18 |
| Deposit |
N/A
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| Price |
£ 90.00 |
| Total Places |
10 |
| Availability |
fully booked |
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