14th February 2026 - Rhododen-gone!
This is the first of our mid-month work days. We will be meeting on the third Saturday of each month in addition to the first Sunday from March 2026 onwards. Meeting in Eaves Playground at 10am, we will be clearing some large and small rhododendron from the Clough, near to Hell Hole rocks. This was so much fun in October, November and December that we decided to do it again!
Rhododendron ponticum is an introduced species in the United Kingdom. It has become invasive, spreading in woodland areas and replacing the natural undergrowth. It is difficult to eradicate, as its roots can make new shoots.
Imported rhododendron plants also carry a strong risk of spreading the deadly disease Phytophthora ramorum, which can be fatal to more than 150 plant species.
Rhododendron ponticum is a real problem for the UK’s native plants and trees. It is choking native woodland and shading out characteristic plants, including in important temperate rainforests, which cover just 1% of land in the UK.
Rebecca Gosling, Woodland Trust