War has been declared on rhododendron bushes that have invaded a protected bog on the isle of Islay
Duich Moss is nationally and internationally important for both its peatland habitat and as a roost site for Greenland white-fronted geese.
But it currently in poor condition, partly due to the growth of rhododendron on the northern side of the bog.
Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) has awarded the contract for removal of the rhododendron to Landscaping Scotland Ltd.
A spokeswoman for SNH said: “It’s an extensive area of undisturbed low-level blanket bog which is currently in an unfavourable condition, partly due to the growth of rhododendron on the northern side of the bog. The rhododendron will cause changes to the plants, habitat structure and hydrology of the bog and left untreated, will cause it to deteriorate further.
“Work to eradicate the rhododendron from the site started in March this year and is due to be completed by September 2016.”
Duich Moss is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), a Special Protection Area, a Special Area of Conservation and a Ramsar site (a wetland of international importance designated under the Ramsar Convention).
