Protecting Oysterplant in Shetland
The Oysterplant is a threatened, coastal species that once upon a time could be seen in any country in the United Kingdom. Under the threat from shingle extraction, increased storm damage, overgrazing and coastal building developments, this beautiful plant can now only be found in the UK on the coast of Scotland and Northern Ireland.
The plant can be identified by its branching green or purple stems and blue-grey leaves that look quite thick and succulent. The stunning flowers are pink in bud and change to a lovely blue as they open. Flowers develop at the ends of the growing stems often around the edge of the plant.
In Shetland, Species on the Edge is working with numerous community groups and locals to raise awareness and protection of Oysterplant. Activity includes Oysterplant-based artwork in schools, translocation projects and the creation of innovative physical protection barriers out of recycled lobster creels – more on that below!
Please don’t move this cage!
Sheep grazing is one of the biggest threats to the Oysterplant in Shetland. Not only do the sheep graze on the flowering buds, but they also pull at the plant, causing it to come out with its tap root, essentially killing this branch of the plant. To combat this, we have upcycled old lobster creels which we are placing over young Oysterplants. The creels provide temporary protection while the young plant develops enough to produce flowers and therefore seed and spread further.
So please, enjoy the plant, keep an eye on the other plants on this beach, but do not move these cages!
