Salmonberry attack by Caithness Countryside Volunteers

Caithness Countryside Volunteers went on the offensive again (Sunday 22 May) to lend a hand helping to tackle the non-native salmonberry plant.

The group, funded by EBScotland, is running a three year project trying to find out how best to eradicate the salmonberry growing inside the hedges around Tister Farm, Halkirk. The last time the group were working at Tister Farm was in September 2010.

The plant, which is native to North America is highly invasive and has a very detrimental effect on indigenous Caithness plants.

As part of the project the volunteers were rooting out a patch of salmonberry, which will be followed by applying a herbicide on any developing new growth.

The group hope that the combination of both rooting out and spraying will lead to the effective eradication of salmonberry from the site.

Dieter Tuerlinckx, Highland Council’s East Caithness Countryside Ranger said: “Caithness is badly affected by salmonberry, especially around the Latheron area.
Once the plant has established itself it is really hard to get rid of it. The rooting out took a lot of effort, as the network of roots can be quite extensive.

“Any roots left in the ground will very likely develop new shoots, which is why we have to follow it up with some spraying as well.”

Countryside Rangers who are part of The Highland Council’s Planning and Development Service run many events and guided walks which aim to help raise awareness and encourage appreciation of the scenery, wildlife and heritage of the Highlands.