Space invaders lose the battle in Grantown woods

Space invaders lose the battle in Grantown woods
Some of The Cairngorms’ most iconic and rare wild flowers are being given the chance of a new lease of life in Old Grantown Wood.
Rhododendrons planted in Castle Grant over 100 years ago are being cleared to allow the rare twinflower and the one flowered wintergreen the space to flourish again.
The clearance marks the final piece of work of the hugely successful Cairngorms Rare Plants Project, and this action is supported by Plantlife Scotland, and Seafield and Strathspey Estates. The aim is to completely eradicate the rhododendrons to ensure the conservation of the rare pinewood plant populations there.
Martin Price, Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) board member and Chair of the Cairngorms Nature Strategy Group explained, “ Rhododendrons are not native to Scotland, they were brought here in Victorian times and planted for their ornamental value, they are a very invasive species and make it impossible for rare plants such as the twinflower to grow.
The rhododendrons were planted along the drive of Castle Grant in Victorian times and have now spread to cover over four and half hectares. Rhododendrons poison the soil and have an enormous spread, meaning nothing else can grow, it is vital that we clear them out to allow our rare plants a chance to repopulate the area.”
Stephen Corcoran, Cairngorms Nature Officer said “the work started last week and this will ensure the long-term viability of these important species. Old Grantown Wood is a key area for both twinflower and one flowered wintergreen and it is hoped the population will expand over time.
In order to be successful the project will require ongoing monitoring and Will Anderson, forest director at Seafield Estate, will continue the work. He said, “These species are tremendously important to the Cairngorms and we are fortunate to have a site where they can grow. We are committed to ensuring the rhododendrons do not return by monitoring the area and spraying over the next few years where necessary.”
Funding for this practical work is coming from the Cairngorms Rare Plants Project and Plantlife Scotland, with Seafield Estate to arrange and cover costs of annual spraying.
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Pulling together in wake of wildfires
An update from Park Authority Convener Sandy Bremner and Chief Executive Grant Moir on collective efforts to tackle wildfires in the National Park going forward.
The Moorland Indicators of Climate Change Initiative
Update on wildfire situation
Convener Sandy Bremner and Chief Executive Grant Moir have given an update on the ongoing wildfire situation.
Relevant alerts
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There is an extreme risk of wildfire impacting the National Park from Friday 11 July until Monday 14 July.
- Do not light any fire or barbeque
- Always ensure cigarettes are fully extinguished and take your litter (including glass) away with you
- Enjoy the outdoors responsibly - most wildfires are caused by human activity
- Stay alert - with dry vegetation and warm weather, fires can start easily, spread rapidly, and burn intensely
- If you see a wildfire, dial 999
For updates, visit the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service website.