Did you know?

While many of us loved the ‘tunnel’ and secluded areas screened by Rhodododendron ponticum, it is a very invasive non-native species, listed on Schedule 9 of the UK Wildlife and Countryside Act.  Despite the massive investment in its eradication from Trebartha gardens, it still appears here and there. 

It is is responsible for the destruction of many native habitats and the abandonment of land throughout the British Isles.  On acidic soils in areas of high humidity it will out compete most native plants. It allows very little light to penetrate through its thick leaf canopy;  native plants are effectively eliminated.   This in turn leads to the consequent loss of native animals and birds.  (For more information see http://www.countrysideinfo.co.uk/rhododen.htm).

It has spread up to the moor from Trebartha, where it covers an ever-increasing area.  It will be much more difficult to deal with it on the rough terrain of the moor than in the gardens.  The best approach may be to inject herbicide directly into plant stems.  This would be a major undertaking. (For more information see https://www.forestresearch.gov.uk/research/management-of-upland-native-woodlands/rhododendron-control/.)