A WOODLAND near Innerleithen is being used to mount a war on an alien invader.

Local MSP Rachael Hamilton visited Plora Woods recently to meet with battle commanders from the Woodland Trust.

The organisation is currently fighting to protect Scotland's native forests.

And their biggest threat is coming from rapidly growing rhododendrons.

Rachael told the Peeblesshire News: "The visit really reinforced how fantastic our woodlands are, but also the dangers of rhododendron.

"I have asked the Scottish Government to highlight the need to protect woodland from invasive rhododendron, and a final draft of a plan of action will be published in March of this year.

"Woodland owners must be aware that funding is available to combat rhododendron and I would encourage all to make use of that fund."

Representatives of the Woodland Trust showed the Scottish Conservative MSP around their site at Plora Wood.

And they discussed some of the issues surrounding the invasive species.

Rhododendron Ponticum is a non-native plant which causes widespread damage across the United Kingdom both to farmers and the natural environment.

The plant, which was introduced to Britain in the late 18th century as a horticultural flower, spreads rapidly and is incredibly difficult to control.

Its preference for acidic soils and high humidity has meant that it has thrived in the British climate at the expense of other native species.

Rhododendron has been particularly damaging to native woodland, its dense thickets monopolise space and light, pushing out native ground flora.

And it has been shown to dramatically reduce the bio-diversity of an area.

Charles Dundas from the Woodland Trust said: “Rhododendron need to be given more serious attention and recognised for the significant threat they pose.

"It’s great that Rachael Hamilton wants to draw attention to this critically underappreciated issue”

The Forestry Commission’s Native Woodland Survey of Scotland highlighted rhododendron and other invasive species as one of the most significant threats to native woodland in Scotland.