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North Harris declares war on Giant Rhubarb

Volunteer and gunnera plant (Photo: Rory Syme, JMT)

The North Harris Trust has begun a project to eradicate invasive giant rhubarb from the island with the help of volunteers from the John Muir Trust, the UK’s leading wild land charity.

Harris is better known for its stunning beaches and rugged mountains, but on the outskirts of Tarbert pockets of jungle are quickly spreading.

Robin Reid, the North Harris Trust’s Ranger, who is co-ordinating the project said: “This is an incredibly invasive species. It takes over ground completely by out competing native plants. Alongside climate change and habitat loss, non-native species like Gunnera are one of the biggest threats to biodiversity. I think we are at a tipping point. If we don’t do something now it will quickly become impossible to clear.”

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