SOS Puffin

The Bass rock seen from Craigleith Island. We were in a work party today which went to Craigleith island in the Firth of Forth to clear tree mallow, which is an invasive bush that prevents the puffins from burrowing their nests. It can grow very tall and has thick woody stems. It has lovely velvety leaves (see extra). it is thought that it was brought to the Bass Rock by the garrison that was stationed there in the 17th century, because it was deemed to have some medicinal properties. Unfortunately it then invaded all of the islands in the Firth of Forth. SOS Puffin is a project to rid the islands of tree mallow and has been going for 9 years, with great success. It's hard work shearing and lobbing the plants, but very satisfying to volunteer.