Invasive species removal continues on Skye

Skye Manager John MacRae learns some new tricks to tackle invasive non-native species at Nevis and tackles some prickly pests near Blà Bheinn.

Earlier in the year, the Trust’s Skye Manager John Macrae joined members of Jahama Highland Estates team - our Lochaber neighbours - for a day of invasive species removal training at Nevis.

Led by the National Trust for Scotland invasive species project officer, the training focused on the highly invasive rhododendron ponticum that is present at Nevis (pictured above).

“We started the day by discussing where ponticum came from and various methods used for removal in the past, and then we were taught the removal by stem injection method,” explained John.

The technique involves using a battery drill to make a series of holes around the plant stem. These cavities are then filled with a spray solution of 20% Glyphosate which is translocated down to the root, killing the plant.

“This method is safer and less labour intensive compared to traditional methods, which sometimes involve carrying heavy tools and equipment over long distances”, added John.

“Everything we need for this form of invasive removal by stem injection can hang off a tool belt and it can be carried out in all weather conditions.”

We are hoping this training will inform practice in the future, but meanwhile John has been using older methods to tackle invasives in our Keppoch woodland near Blà Bheinn.

Keppoch is a newish native woodland. It was established five years ago, when native broadleaf trees were planted to replace an old conifer plantation, which was felled in 2017/18. Unfortunately, remnants of the old plantation still pop up and John says they are particularly prickly pests: “Sitka seedlings are sneaky and must be removed as soon as possible. Our new tools are making this job so much easier.”

• Read more about Keppoch.

This article first appeared in the Spring / Summer 2026 edition of the John Muir Trust Members' Journal. If you would like to receive our Journal twice a year please consider joining the Trust as a Member.