Triffids

This is what a wood looks like that is being cleared of Rhododendrons, the main root ball is stood one end to try to stop it re rooting. They look like strange triffids in the wood to me especially in any number.

A few weeks ago you couldn't even stand in this place, it's great to see the landscape being revealed again. Within a couple of years, if the seedlings continue to be removed the wood will again support a ground flora of bluebells, primroses and wood sorrel. However much you like the purple flowers of the rhoddy a native woodland is better for everything else.

The clearing method used in this case is called "Lever and Mulch" where the roots are levered up by hand and the brash left to smother any regrowth. This works much better than high tech machinery or slash and burn which provides the perfect seedbed for more rhododendrons. It is labour intensive but well worth it.

I would have liked a better photos of this for you but not much time when I am working and this gives you the idea.