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Riparian habitat and catchment soils

Alder trees along stream banks

The roots of alder trees strengthen stream banks and their leaves provide food for invertebrate larvae in the river

The health of riparian (stream side) habitat and river catchment areas affects the stability of rivers, their fertility and food availability, and their ability to resist acid flushes. Across much of Wester Ross, soils are thin, peaty, or poorly developed, reflecting an impoverished ecosystem. Indicators of healthy, fertile, soils include earthworms and moles. WRFT is currently mapping the distribution of these, and of invasive New Zealand flatworms.

One of the most exciting developments in recent years has been establishment of Woodland Grant Schemes to restore native woodlands. By reducing grazing pressures (there are still voles and hares in some WGS schemes), planting trees and applying fertilizer, soils are given a chance to recover. The largest WGS in Scotland, the Baile mor woodland established by Gairloch Estate, is located between Gairloch and Loch Maree. There are trout lochs in the new woodland and these may become more productive as the trees become established.

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