Rhododendron Removal, Kingston University, January 26th

What a difference a week makes. As the north of England struggled under heavy snow, here in the outskirts of the capital we were basking in mid-winter sun, at least for a while. The pleasant weather certainly brought out the volunteers, and there wasn't a single snowman to be seen.
This week, the Environment Trust's Kingston Greenspace Volunteers again teamed up with Kingston University, to help them with their rhododendron problem at Kingston Hill.
Working on a new patch of this invasive plant, we also came across dense thickets of cherry laurel, and even spotted laurel.
It's certainly true to say that many hands make light work, particularly if all those hands are employed for a whole day clearing invasive plants. The photo diary below speaks louder than words about the tremendous effort that was put in by one and all to move towards the goal of eradicating Rhododendron ponticum from the Kingston Hill Campus. Still, we wanted to leave some for next time. The next rhododendron day will be on Saturday February 23rd, a sandwich lunch will be provided.

A pre-event site visit shows an innocuous-looking patch of rhododendron. 

With the sun shining, the team get to work.

Girls from Marymount International School pose for the local media. 

And, then get back to some serious work. 

Tea's up - and the sun's still shining.

Nothing by rhododendron and laurel.

Clearing the rhododendron will allow native plants to colonise this area for the first time in decades. 

Amazing what strange things lurk in the woods - the remains of a vintage (1950s) washing machine. 

Spotted laurel (Aucuba japonica var. variegata).