Removal of Rhododendron bushes
Bushes will be removed and incinerated on site
The Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs has awarded Lancaster City Council funding to take preventative measueres to clear areas of ponticum that are susceptible to the highly infectious disease Phytophthora ramorum which is known to cause extensive damage and mortality to native woodlands.
Williamson Park has become over run with the Rhododendron, a naturally invasive species, to the detrimental effect of the parks woodland. In 2011 Phytophthora ramorum was identified by the Food and Environment Research Agency (FERA) and Lancaster City Council was served notice for its removal. The infected species were swiftly removed and the park has remained in the high-risk category ever since.
The clearance works will be completed by May 2012 and due to the nature of the work it will be necessary impliment biosecurity measures which include restricting public access to certain compartments whilst the affected vegetation is treated and removed to prevent the spread of the disease.
Elliott Grimshaw, Senior Outdoor Ranger for Lancaster City Council, said: ”The funding from DEFRA is extremely positive news for the park. Once the work has been completed it will help ensure the health of the woodlands in the long term. It is vitally important that we manage the park in a sustainable manner and the work due to be undertaken will assist us in increasing biodiversity and will ensure the woodlands are available for others to enjoy in years to come.”
Some common questions and answers
Why are the bushes being removed?
Rhododendron is not native to Britain and like many introduced species contributes to the destruction of native plants and general wildlife habitats.
Rhododendron spreads via complex root systems, which, overtime covers vast areas, driving native tree species and animals away.
Rohododendron ponticum is also known to spread a disease called phytophthora ramorum which can lead to the death of mature trees. Some areas of the bushes have been identified as being infected with phytophthora ramorum and as such these areas have been cleared and eradicated as per DEFRA guidelines.
Which areas of the park are affected?
Rhododendron bushes are common throughout the park and several problem areas have been identified. Similar work has been previously carried out below the Ashton Memorial and in the Dell.
How long will the work take?
Work to manage the park’s rhododendron bushes will be ongoing and was initially started over five years ago. The removal of all the affected bushes should be completed by May 2012.
What is happening to the Rhododendron?
Due to the risk of spreading the infection, all bushes will be incinerated on site
Where can I find more information?
There are fact-sheets around the park giving specific information about the work that is happening. There are also some useful links to external web pages on this page.
For more information, please contact Elliott Grimshaw, Senior Outdoor Ranger on (01524) 582833