How can I help Carna Conservation projects during my stay?
We really appreciate everyone’s help to monitor, regenerate and conserve our native flora and fauna on the Isle of Carna. Visitors are welcome throughout the spring, summer and autumn every Saturday to help, explore or find out more about this beautiful island. Please telephone 01972500208 to book transfers on and off the island. This is subject to availability and booking is essential. www.west-scotland-marine.com for more information
Lots of guests ask “what can we do?” and to be sure no matter your age or ability that extra help is greatly appreciated!
Rhododendron clearing
This is a vital job that can be undertaken everytime you are out and about on the island. A huge amount of work has gone on to clear the non native, invasive rododendrons from Carna. During your stay you may see Donald Kennedy, Gordon French and the team on the hill. Gordon and Donald developed this most effective method of rhododendron clearing a few years ago and the effects are clearly visible.
- Tools needed. none! but you will need wellies and long trousers tucked into socks.
- Process, pull small saplings clean out of the ground.
- Anything bigger than 6 inches will probably defeat you!
- Avoid steep slopes, watch out for ditches and obstacles.
Seasearch Dive
We welcome groups, or individual recognised, trained Seasearch divers, to stay on the island who can add to the information we have about what lives and grows in the waters surrounding the Isle of Carna. There is a huge selection of common and some very rare creatures to be found including flame shell reef.
Seasearch West of Scotland have a fantastic report which can be viewed here
Citizen Science Surveys
For the first time in 2021 visitors to the island were asked to participate in a pilot feasibility study. The study chosen is the Imperial College OPAL Soil and Earthworm survey. We were delighted by the number of participants and hopefully, once the collected data is analysed we will be able to perform more surveys increasing our knowledge and monitoring changes. There is more information about the OPAL Citizen Science surveys here. To see a PDF copy of the Carna Survey follow this link
In 2022 we hope to invite the local community, visitors and guests to the island to participate in a photographic survey of the island throughout the seasons. This data will be collected and collated to add to our knowledge of species and changes over time.
Bracken bashing!
Bracken is common in woodlands but unfortunately can rapidly colonise areas and out compete other plants. When this occurs bracken needs to be actively managed. As the ancient woodlands regenerate and are restored they should help prevent bracken domination and restore a balance to the land. The Woodland trust and some interesting information and facts, have a look here www.woodlandtrust.org.uk
So, back to you! It is the simple things that make a difference and “bracken bashing” is one of those things. Carna, like a lot of rural Scotland, has suffered extensive overgrazing resulting in a loss of tree canopy allowing bracken to spread out of control.
Whilst measures are in place to gradually reverse these adverse effects reducing the bracken and allowing grasses and wild flowers to grow by manually attacking growing bracken is a great help.
- Tools needed, A big stick, probably wellies, long trousers tucked into socks.
- Process, bash bracken stems enough to break them.
- May, June, July and August are the best times
- avoid steep slopes
- avoid areas with wild flower undergrowth
- Be aware and watch out for hidden obstacles and ditches
- There is a possibility that bracken spores are carcinogenic. The H&S Executive recommends that a suitable face mask should be worn while cutting or working in spore-producing bracken (ie during late July, August and September) Please ask a member of staff, ideally before your visit so that we can have it ready for you if you intend to bracken bash.
Come and Stay on the island
Wildlife and eco-tourism makes up the mainstay of our business plan to achieve economic sustainability of the Initiative and fund our Conservation Projects, and we make sure to provide you the best possible experience in return for supporting the project. We have a range of ways to stay on the island from Self-catered Escapes, to all inclusive residential holidays and Courses. You can also visit for the day on most Saturdays for £10pp, please contact by email or phone to check availability.
Volunteer or become a friend of Carna
We love welcoming people to Carna and throughout the year have a number of volunteer opportunities including conservation work, surveys, help with fence and land maintenance and funding.
Join us and become a friend of Carna Conservation Initiative to keep up-to-date with news, projects and opportunities sign up to our mailing list here . There is no charge, we welcome interest and involvement and encourage spreading the word about the importance of the climate and environment.