Way back in March, I wrote about invasive rhododendron, and the problems it causes in the west of Scotland. Invasive rhododendron is a major cause of habitat loss here, where the wet climate provides the perfect environment for the million seeds each plant can produce in a year to germinate. These seeds can be spread far and wide by the wind, particularly along corridors such as roads. Stands of invasive rhododendron then produce such dense vegetation that they shade everything else out, to the detriment of almost all other plants and animals.
Rhododendron forms dense foliage that shades out all other vegetation
It cannot be denied however, that this fast growing rhododendron provides many gardens with much needed shelter and a burst of colour in the spring. Because of this, many people have planted, or inherited gardens containing invasive rhododendron. Unfortunately however, the garden fence isn’t sufficient to keep this plant in and it easily spreads out into the wider countryside.
A site in Gairloch where rhododednron has spread from neighbouring gardens
In a bid to raise awareness of, and combat this problem, I am working with a team of volunteers to remove invasive rhododendron from a number of gardens in the area. Those backing onto Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve are of particular priority as these are constantly adding to the work load for the reserve staff, as seed is blown onto the reserve itself.
Relaxing with the rhododendron pile!
So, what can you do with all that rhododendron, once it has been removed? Well, it makes fantastic firewood, that burns well even when green, so I am offering it to volunteers for their log-burning stoves. It also is a lovely ornamental wood, as the Highland Woodturning Club are proving! The pieces they are producing will be sold in local shops, with money from the sale going to the Wester Ross Environmental Network to be used for further invasive species control work. A big thank you to the Highland Woodturning Club!
A small vase, turned from rhododednron