Invasive species, such as Rhododendron Ponticum have become a real nuisanse to woodland and estate owners over the past few years, their over dominance of native plants has led to startling reduction in native flora and associated wildlife in many estates and large gardens, very few better pieces are available on their sources, problems and effect than this link here, by Countrysideinfo. Our increased awareness of the role of biodiversity in the modern garden and landscape means that the time has come for these plants, and it was great to speak to and see first hand the work that Toby Edwards, Estate Manager of National Trust Downhill is putting into it...
The Victorian era brought fantastic horticultural techniques and stunning plant
species and variety to our islands. They also brought alot of plants that out of
their natural habitat and away from their natural predators have thrived a
little too well, Rhododendron and Laural are just two of these. In-particular
the R.Ponticum species has escaped its original plantings and where it was used
for game cover it is taking over our native tree species. Underneath the Rhodies
is very dark, acidic and dry. Its a dead zone for native plants and insects and
there is no regeneration of young tree saplings. With no insects it means there
is no food source for the birds and small mammals.
For us at Downhill Demesne
and thousands of other sites across the UK and ROI the removal of the Rhodies is
very important. We have been gradually stripping them out, chipping or burning
the growth over their root stumps to kill them which reduces the need for
chemical treatment and then stacking the dead wood to create habitats for fungi,
inset lava and birds.
Again this would not have been possible without the
support of our volunteers and groups coming in for "Rhodie Bashing Days" as much
of the infestations are in areas only accessiblem by hand. (its also an excuse
to have a winter bonfire and roast some potatoes in the fire for lunch!) The
results are instantly visible the following summers with fresh growth of fox
gloves and plants from dormant seeds. It is not long before other plants, the
bluebells spread, celandine, primrose and eventually tree saplings. In some
places we help speed this up with some extra planting of trees.
- Toby Edwards National Trust Downhill
habitat woodpiles
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flora quickly returns once rhodo removed
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diversity returns quickly
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new trails as a result of the clearance work being undertaken to remove invasive species
Toby mentioned that a lot of the work on the Downhill site is carried out by volunteers, and I was interested in the role that these Volunteers pay in the upkeep and development of the Downhill site, and how someone can become a volunteer
As a charity, National Trust gratefully relies on the support that people give
us as volunteers, we could not do what we do without them. People come to use
for many reasons; a chance to do something difference, get out of the office,
gain experience, a social activity, retired and find themselves at a loose end
or as part of a back to work program. We support all out volunteers with
training and there are plenty of other benefits specifically here at Downhill
Demesne & Hezlett House like the gluts of apples, Raspberry and other
fruits!
Its not just outdoor hands on work. Volunteers help us deliver great
visitor experience, amazing events, tell their stories of and care for our
places. The sheer spread of what we cover means there is always something
different going on. If you are interested in volunteering or have a group that
would like to get involved please contact our North Coast volunteer
co-coordinator [email protected] or speak
to one of our teams at any National Trust places.
Toby Edwards, National Trust Downhill
see some pics of the snowdrops display around Downhill and the restoration of the Bishops Gate area here
