SNH is working on an ambitious project to wipe out giant rhubarb in the Western Isles.
It comes as an Europe-
SNH is working on an ambitious project to wipe out giant rhubarb in in the Western Isles and wants to stop its spread on the west coast of Scotland and beyond.
People who already have the plant, also known as Gunnera, in their garden can keep it, but they must act responsibly. Allowing Gunnera to grow or spread outside their garden could now be an offence.
Roddy MacMinn, who is leading on the islands’ project for SNH said: “Gunnera has become invasive in parts of Harris within the last two decades and is starting to invade other parts of the Western Isles.
“We are concerned that it could become invasive on parts of the west coast of Scotland and islands with a mild, wet oceanic climate.
“If left unchecked, we’re likely to see an increasing area of land lost to grazing
as well as significant impacts on our biodiversity and road-
SNH is asking people who see Gunnera growing in the wild in Scotland to report it to Scotland’s environment website.
Roddy said: “We are encouraging people with Gunnera in their gardens to consider either removing the plant entirely, or alternatively cutting off the flower heads each summer before they set seed, then composting with care.”
Giant-
Originally from South America, the distinctive large leaved plant was introduced as a garden ornamental but has spread rapidly over crofts and ditches.
Now in many parts of the islands extensive, dense stands of Gunnera, which can grow up to two metres in height, have established themselves.
If left unchecked, it is likely result in an increasing area of land lost to grazing
as well as significant impacts on biodiversity and road-
Later this year, SNH be consulting the community on a five-
Giant rhubarb invades Western Isles
2 August 2018
Battling giant rhubarb in the Lews Castle grounds