East Dorset Ditrict Council staff with Dr. Lesley Haskins

Staff from East Dorset District Council worked together with Dr Lesley Haskins last week, to clear invasive Cherry Laurel and Common Rhododendron from Furzehill Copse. This small but delightful woodland lies adjacent to left of the entrance up to the Council Offices. By clearing these alien evergreens, native flowers such as bluebells and wood anemones can thrive again.

“It was great fun to be out of the office, doing something positive for the environment and bringing light back into the woodlands. I hope that staff and residents alike will take the opportunity to have a look at how beautiful they are” said Richard Henshaw, Planning Policy Manager for East Dorset District Council.

The spread of Rhododendron has also been to blame for the increase in oak death. Rhododendrons not only smother oak woodlands, but more can also infect them with the Phytophera fungus, which is fatal to many of our other native trees and shrubs.

The event forms part of a larger ‘Return of the Natives’ project funded through the East Dorset Community Partnership, and co-ordinated through the Environment Themed Action Group. Its aim is to encourage local communities to rid their local waysides and woodlands of Rhododendron. Dr.Lesley Haskins, Project Leader says “What was highly desirable has now become absolutely vital. The Rhododendron menace must be tackled – and it can be with a little determination.”