The purple-flowered Rhododendrum ponticum was introduced by the Victorians to the UK and has since spread far and wide. Though it has beautiful flowers, its presence is a disaster ecologically. The dense canopy and leaf litter stifle plant growth and the soil becomes more acidic, creating “dead zones” where no other plants can seed or thrive, effectively displacing native plants and animals.
Eradicating this invasive species, to restore native habitats, species and landscapes, is a big challenge. Tom Lusink, of Climate Neutral Island Raasay, has written an informative blog, advocating a sustained, long-term community-led approach to Rhododendron removal, focussing on the opportunities for building local skills and experience, and creating jobs, thereby investing in the community. You can read the blog here.