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Beware the Beautiful Invader – SAC Workshop on Rhododendron and Gorse Control

SAC News Release Ref. No: 11N25
Published: 04 Mar 2011

Rhododendron (opens in new window)

Just now it is snowdrops and soon there will be other signs of spring as Rhododendrons and Gorse begin to flower. But as beautiful as the patches of purple and gold can be, both plants can spell trouble for farmers and stock keepers. In Onich on March 15th SAC will hold a meeting to consider their management and control.

According to Niall Campbell, SAC’s Oban based Senior Agricultural Consultant Rhododendron is bad news for land managers and farmers.

“Rhododendron ponticum is unpalatable to grazing animals due to the poisonous toxins contained in the leaves. It is not native to Argyll, the west coast or anywhere in the UK. However while it is originally from the Eastern Mediterranean and Asia it thrives in our mild wet conditions and can spread rapidly leading to the destruction of many native habitats and the complete abandonment of land”.

The day will include a site visit to Cuilchenna Common Grazing. One of the other speakers at the Onich Workshop will be SAC Conservation specialist Helen Bibby. Helen believes gorse have a role in Scotland’s landscape, offering shelter and a good food source for insects like bees. However gorse can create problems for farming.

“Like Rhododendron Gorse can also cause loss of grazing and can expand rapidly. Farmers need to keep a close eye on its spread and the threat to the area of productive farmland. The aim of the workshop is to identify when control of these species is of benefit and how best to achieve this control”.

The SAC Workshop in Onich Hall starts at 11.00 am on Tuesday 15th March and with the site visit, finishes at 2.30 pm. Niall Campbell and Helen Bibby will be supported by Stephen Murphy, Rhododendron Project Officer for Argyll and Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park.

According to Stephen Murphy “Getting initial control methods right for Rhododendron is important, but follow up treatments are equally important to ensure long term success”.

The events is funded by The Scottish Government Rural Directorate and delivered by SAC as part of its biodiversity and conservation advisory activity. Attendance is free and a light lunch will be provided. To help catering arrangements those wishing to take part should contact the Oban office.

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News Release Issued By

Mr Ken Rundle
Senior Communications Officer
SAC (Scottish Agricultural College) Work SAC, King's Buildings, West Mains Road,
Edinburgh
EH9 3JG
TelWork 0131 535 4196

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