Salmonberry threatens local biodiversity

The Caithness Biodiversity group has recently produced a leaflet highlighting the concerns and effects of Salmonberry in the Caithness countryside. The leaflet is to promote awareness of this invasive plant and how the public can help in a mapping exercise.

The invasive plant has been present in Caithness for decades but is taking over large areas of woodland and hedging. The epicentre for salmonberry in Caithness appears to be in the Latheronwheel area where it has vigorously spread throughout the local woodland. It has also become established in other areas such as Olrig and Brough. The invasive nature of the plant means that it smothers out indigenous woodland under storey and ground flora. It then prevents natural regeneration and spread of trees and other plants.

Caithness Biodiversity Group is currently carrying out other work on salmonberry, including mapping out areas of infestation and trialling different control measures. If you have any information of areas of infestation, please contact Dieter Tuerlinckx by e-mailing dieter.tuerlinckx@highland.gov.uk

Funding for the leaflet was delivered through the Caithness Partnership Environmental Fund Programme, sponsored by Scottish Natural Heritage and Highland Leader. 

Marina Swanson, Highland Council’s Countryside Ranger and Caithness Biodiversity Group member said: “I’d like to thank Jenny Taylor, the Orkney Woodland Projects for giving us permission to base the leaflet around the Orkney version and of course our funders for grant aiding the production. Many people are still unaware of Salmonberry and it is important we raise awareness as much as possible to highlight the problems associated with the plant and the destruction to natural habitats it can cause.”

Anyone interested in picking up a leaflet can do so at either Wick or Thurso library.