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Protection
Our woods in Berkshire are well managed by the Forestry Commission, the Woodland Trust, or by the Crown Estate.
Wednesday mornings at Simons Wood often see many volunteers working together. In recent years, they have focused on clearing invasive rhododendrons.
The rhododendrons grew to great heights and were beautiful in flower, but did not allow anything else to grow in their vicinity. Since they have been cleared, the nature of the woods has changed. The land is now far more open and there are more birds to be heard.
We came across this tree stump which has been enclosed by a fence. There is no notice there to explain what is happening, but we assume it is a field study research project to observe and record what grows on and around it.
I like the idea of field study research, there is so much to be learned from forests.
ReplyDeleteThere is indeed. Trees tell us about the climate in the past.
DeleteSome of those invasive species are really pretty, but they do cause some damage.
ReplyDeleteThey do. The rhododendrons are vigorous and determined!
DeleteA beautiful area and very interesting about the rhododendrons. I have been reading a lot about invading species lately. It's quite a problem isn't it?
ReplyDeletePeople don't always think about what an alien species might do to the environment.
DeleteThe rhododendrons look spectacular at their great heights and really are gorgeous in flower, so what a shame to not recycle then. All the volunteers should take whichever plants they want, if they have spaces at home where the rhododendrons won't invade other plants.
ReplyDeletePlants of 30 to 40 feet in height could not easily be lifted and far less easily transplanted to the average small garden.
DeleteA shame about the rhododendrons but if they are inhibiting the more natural woodland life . . . xx
ReplyDeleteThey look splendid, but nothing else can grow under or around them.
DeleteIt will be interesting so see if the invasive rhododendrons return. Judging by the situation in Torridon, once established, Rhododendron ponticum is almost impossible to eradicate. A couple of estates in that area have spent much time and money tearing up these shrubs, only for them to grow back a few years.
ReplyDeleteCheers, Gail.
We can see already that they are making a comeback, but are more easily controlled when small. It's an ongoing process.
DeleteI do love a walk in a forest or wood, life under the trees is very different to being in the sunlight.
ReplyDeleteThe air in the woods is so much fresher, particularly on a hot day, not that we've had many of those this year.
DeleteThe rhododendrons are a delight and a curse. The woods are looking good at the moment. I think we are very lucky to have these organisations as well as volunteers keeping our green spaces looking healthy.
ReplyDeleteWithout volunteers, much of our lives would be more difficult.
DeleteOf all our pest plant species, rhododendrons aren't one of them, more is the pity. I guess they won't survive here without being watered in summer. There seems to be so many volunteers in your country who undertake various tasks, all for the betterment of the population both local and world wide.
ReplyDeleteBritish society would collapse without volunteers!
DeleteWhat a beautiful wood ! Reminds me the one near my grandparents place !
ReplyDeleteIt is lovely and we enjoy walking there so much.
DeleteThe woods are very pretty. I enjoy walking through the forest in early morning
ReplyDeleteWalking among trees is so refreshing.
DeleteIt’s lovely to have woodland so close to home, isn’t it? We are fortunate too …and all for free! The woods were my playground when I was young and I learned so much from playing in them almost every day. Simons Wood looks beautiful.
ReplyDeleteWe are surrounded by trees. The only time I worry is when we have gales.
DeleteWe have a large bare patch here that I am planning to fill with a rhododendron. I suppose any future residents may have to be ruthless with its removal sometime in the future!
ReplyDeleteThere are rhododendrons that are suitable for gardens, just not Rhododendron ponticum.
DeleteA forest as it should be. This looks so inviting. Most of all our woods are filled with Russian Olive and multiflora, both so invasive. And also the beautiful but invasive Bradford Pear, just a decorative tree with tiny tiny pears that the birds take everywhere. The world has come to us in so many ways.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful plant in the wrong place can be disastrous.
DeleteWhen I started work on the forest service in New Zealand it was gorse that grew to great heights in the forests and smothered everything else - and we spent many boring months cutting it down. Pointless task - gorse does so well in NZ because in our climate it flowers (and seeds) twice a year. One man's specimen plant is another man's weed......
ReplyDeleteIt has taken years to get the rhododendrons to a manageable state but the volunteers have to keep on top of it or it will take over again. You're right - what is lovely as a specimen in a private garden can become a thug in the wild.
DeleteThe rhododendrons are gorgeous but I get that they don't belong in the forest if they are taking over. I wonder if they got there naturally by bird or wind or were they planted. I wish my rhododendrons would grow so tall and beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThey 'escaped' from private gardens. They can produce thousands of seeds, transported by wind or bird. They are very striking and quite a feature in our neighbourhood.
DeleteWe are surrounded by trees too, a blessing most of the time but as you mentioned in replies to comments very worrying when it's windy!
ReplyDeleteAlison in Wales x
I like to hear the wind in the trees - a gale, no!
DeleteWhat a lovely area! It's especially lovely since these woods are obviously so well cared for.
ReplyDeleteWe are lucky, and do appreciate the hard work that others put in.
DeleteRhododendrons can look quite spectacular when in flower, but they do tend to take over when left unchecked. It's a good thing they are being taken in hand, which will benefit the future of the woodland. They should do the same in a local park we often visit. xxx
ReplyDeleteThey are gorgeous but need firm handling.
DeleteLovely photographs from the Berkshire Woods.
ReplyDeleteI've always liked seeing rhododendrons but yes, they can be very invasive.
All the best Jan
We really appreciate our woods, almost as much as the dogs do!
DeleteWhat beautiful photos! I love those trees!
ReplyDeleteAsh @ Essentially Ash
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Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI do like to see these rhododendrons but they do need some severe management to keep them in check and I appreciate that is a lot of work. At least now, other native plants will have a chance to develop.
ReplyDelete