Nature Near London: Kingston University, January 8th 2013

For our first event of 2013 the Environment Trust's volunteers returned to Kingston University's Kingston Hill campus to continue the job of removing rhododendron from areas of woodland. In November, our group, together with a group of students, cleared a large swathe of very large plants. Almost two months later, it's already possible to see other plants responding to the extra light available in the absence of rhododendron. Several yew seedlings were spotted, as well as holly. As the spring progresses, no doubt other surprises will emerge from amongst the leaves.
However, despite our efforts in November, many of the cut rhododendron stems which had not been removed, were in danger of re-rooting and undoing all our good work. So, today's main task was to try and collect every last shoot and dig up any remain stumps. Larger stumps have been treated with herbicide by the university's Green Team. While not quite as satisfying as cutting down large plants, this task was equally important to ensure that this patch of woodland can be truly rid of rhododendron. Still, repeat visits will be necessary in the years to come to ensure that no stems have been left and that no new seedlings are allowed to develop.
We'll be back again on Saturday January 26th for a full day of rhododendron clearance (10-4), when the plan is to move to another patch of woodland nearby.
Please see the review of the event on Nov. 10th for more details about this site and rhododendron http://www.etrutvolunteering.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/rhododendron-removal-at-kingston.html