The familiar purple blooms of Rhododendron ponticum might look pretty, but our May volunteer morning was dedicated to their removal from the delicate ecosystem around the lake.
Rhododendron ponticum is a real problem for the UK’s native plants and trees. It is choking native woodland.
Woodland Trust
This invasive shrub spreads by prolific seeding and then layering of branches. This eventually forms a closed canopy that shuts out most light and destroys the rich biodiversity of our woodlands.
National Trust for Scotland
Clearing the rampant Rhododendron ponticum from around the lake isn’t just about allowing native flora to thrive. The dense leaf litter changes the soil chemistry, making it more acidic. This altered soil then leaches into the lake with rainfall, providing a nutrient-rich environment that unfortunately favours the proliferation of troublesome blue-green algae blooms.
All FoWP tasks are agreed with the park staff and follow the park’s conservation plan. If you wish to join future tasks or talk about our work, please visit us at a future session.
Previous related tasks…