UPDATE: The upcoming works scheduled at Shipley Bridge to remove Rhododendron Ponticum has been temporarily postponed. Please see the statement below from SWLT;
“Thank you for your interest in the work at Shipley Bridge to control the invasive non-native rhododendron. I can confirm that practical works have not yet begun. In June 2023 we attended a stakeholder meeting of landowners, commoners, Dartmoor National Park Authority and local interested parties to discuss a trial control of rhododendron at the site. Previous attempts to control its spread by individuals have proved unsuccessful and it is spreading rapidly, impacting on grazing land and native species and altering habitats. Whilst the plant is pretty, it outcompetes native species, preventing their regeneration. The resulting altered habitats lead to loss of suitable habitat and food sources for birds, invertebrates, bats, mammals, reptiles and negatively impacts on water quality. Rhododendrons are also a vector for Phytophthora ramorum which has led to the death of many native trees. We are not removing any native species more likely to be used for bird nesting and the work area will be checked by an Ecological Clerk of Works working alongside other ecologists prior to works commencing, who will be present throughout the works.
Since the initial meeting full consent has been granted from commoners and landowners and funding gained for a trial control using a low impact technique called lever and mulch. This method involves the dismantling of the plant by cutting to chest height and using the stems as levers to extract the plants then using the brash as a mulch to prevent regrowth. Any plants too large are cut to the root collar then hammered to prevent regrowth. The use of chemicals is not needed in the lever and mulch method but would be used for areas where this method is not suitable such as on plants growing out of walls or hedges. We hope this trial will demonstrate to all stakeholders how such a low impact method can be successful in controlling this highly invasive non-native species.
Having completed an extensive literature review on the positive and negative impacts of rhododendron on native species and habitats, we believe that the removal of this species will have huge positive impacts for the environment, ecology, water quality and grazing livestock. Given the lack of diversity within rhododendron and the fact that this is a trial we are able to react quickly to situations as they arise. We have postponed the commencement of the works until further notice to allow for a further period of consultation. Signage will be displayed prior to works commencing”.
The eradication works is now scheduled for September 2024, when the risk of displacing nesting birds will be minimal.
ORIGINAL POST: Please be aware South West Lakes Trust will be commencing work at Shipley Bridge on Monday 24th June. Please see bulletin below for more details.