VOLUNTEERS from the Kinclaven Woodland Working Group are celebrating the eradication of the final Rhododendron ponticum bush at Kinclaven Bluebell Wood in Perthshire.
Over the last four years, the team of 50 has worked to reduce a thick mass of the plant, spending nearly 2,000 hours on the task.
The plant had claimed more than six acres of the Woodland Trust site.
A non-native species to the UK, the plant was widely introduced during Victorian times but can overpower woodlands by spreading rapidly.
Site manager Jill Aitken said: “Rhododendron ponticum forms dense thickets and shades out native plants.
“If left uncontrolled, it will eventually dominate a wood to the exclusion of all other plant life.
“As this is a very lovely oakwood with lots of native plants, we were very keen not to allow that.
“It is an amazing service our volunteer working group has delivered.”
The clearance project took place between September and March each year to avoid disturbing nesting birds.
Covid restrictions further affected the time the volunteers had to control the invasive plant.
The Kinclaven team was able to overcome the problematic plant with its self-developed method.
Once removed and cut down, the plant was divided into leaf and wood material, then stacked separately, with roots pointing upward.
This allowed them to break down into the forest floor.
Group leader Ian Riches said: “It has taken a long time so it was all the more satisfying to hack out the very last bush.
“While it has been hard work the team is very sociable and we generally have a great time.
“It keeps us fit and even in the midst of all the sawing and bashing – this wood is a stunning place to be.
“You go to bed tired but happy.”
Read more stories about bees and other creatures on Scottish Field’s wildlife pages.
Plus, don’t miss Andy Dobson’s article about black grouse in the April issue of Scottish Field magazine.
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