Reduction in Rhododendron ponticum

The remaining Rhododendron ponticum before being removed from Core Path – Photo by Jim Neil

Four months into the year and the group of volunteers were out again clearing the community woodland of invasive non-native trees and plants. Nine adults and a younger member of the Maryburgh community took part in the removal of beech trees and the Rhododendron ponticum at the southern corner of the woodland. Clearing the ponticum that is spreading onto the original Core Path was the carried out by 7 of the volunteers. This was the last remaining shrubs and trees at the sides of the original paths.

Rhododendron ponticum removed from the Core Path – Photo by Jim Neil

Started on Removal of Beech Saplings

Three other members of the community made a start on the beech taking over the interior of the woodland. Removing these Beech saplings will allow sunlight into the woodland and encourage the understory of wild flowers to grow and increase the biodiversity of the community woodland. The volunteers started work on one of the woodland compartments identified earlier in the year for removal of the Beech. This was compartment 4 (Birch) identified in the Woodland Density map produced in July last year. Approximately 65% of this area was identified as having Beech sapling cover. On Saturday, just 3 volunteers cleared over 50% of this area of Beech.

Compartment 4 cleared of Beech saplings – Photo by Siobhan Fraser

Rhododendron ponticum cuttings stacked – Photo by Gareth Parkinson

Map showing density of Beech saplings

A well-earned break at the end of the morning

After 2 hours of work, the volunteers made way down the Core Path to the open grassed area in Birch Drive for a well deserved cup of hot tea or coffee and some homemade baking provided by a member of the woodland group. Once again, the Maryburgh Woodland Group would like to thank all the volunteers who gave up a Saturday morning to help tidy up the woodland for the benefit of everyone in the community.

Next Event

Why not come along a join us in the Easter Animal Trail Competition on the 19^th April at 10:00 am.

Stacking the Rhododendron ponticum cuttings – Photo by Gareth Parkinson

Photo of volunteers at end of morning’s work – Image by Gareth Parkinson