Stirling University’s Wildlife Conservation Society have volunteered with Callander’s Woodland Trust to protect its native woodlands.
On an overnight trip to the Stirlingshire town of Callander, the society helped remove invasive rhododendrons.
The trip embraced conservation efforts whilst offering scenic walks, wildlife spotting, and a hostel stay. This was to fulfil the society’s conservation goals while harbouring student community and connections.
Callander Woodland is a mixed wood, accessible to locals and visitors on foot from the nearby town.
Featuring waymarked paths and stunning views, the woodland is a highly valued, ecologically important element of Stirlingshire.
However, the spread of invasive Rhododendrons (Rhododendron ponticum) puts these woodlands at risk.
Rhododendron ponticum outcompetes native plants for light and resources, spreads quickly, and carries diseases which are fatal to over 150 native plant species.
The society’s president, George Hassal, told Brig “The reason we worked so hard to remove the rhodies is that they are a non-native invasive species. They spread very quickly on high, peaty ground and swamp out our native plant species as well as poisoning the soil so that no other plants can grow”.
They achieved this by “removing the root ball of the plant and leaving them upside down to dry out in the wind so that they can’t grow again”.
He also spoke about the importance of the trip and the impact it had on local conservation efforts: “Our work on removing the rhododendrons absolutely benefited the site, and with such a big team of us, we managed to cover a lot of ground over the two and a half hours. The group we worked with were over the moon at the work we managed to do”.
Overall, “the trip was enjoyed by all and we certainly felt satisfied (and tired) after our work and we treated ourselves to some pub grub afterwards!
“We absolutely hope to do similar-style trips with the next committee next semester, so make sure to come along!”
The Wildlife Conservation Society is a student-led group, offering practical and fieldwork experience which includes volunteering fieldwork, informative talks, and workshops all directed at protecting and conserving the wildlife of Stirlingshire and beyond.
It is also not exclusively for Environmental Science or Geography students. They have created a space where individuals passionate about nature, animals, and conservation can come together and make an environmental difference.
Featured Image: Wildlife Conservation Society planting flowers last year. Image Credit: UOS Wildlife Conservation Society
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