Latest news with #Rhododendron
The Herald Scotland
a day ago
- General
- The Herald Scotland
Scottish rainforest silent killer' rooted out by scientists
Yet, their survival has been threatened by thickets of rhododendron, first introduced to the UK as ornamental plants two centuries ago. However, progress is being made. Ahead of World Rainforest Day on June 22, Forest and Land Scotland (FLS) have announced a new milestone in their restoration efforts over the last year. FLS teams restored 1226 hectares in 2024/25, up from 930ha last year. Work included removing invasive rhododendrons, returning native species to the forest, and ensuring deer populations are effectively managed. Rhododendron has run rampant across Scotland's rainforests. (Image: FLS) Dubbed the 'silent killer of Scotland's rainforest', due to its proclivity to rob other plants of space, water, and light; rhododendron is FLS' top target. One 'practical and targeted' solution involves injecting each the stem of each plant with a small dose of herbicide. FLS Native Woodland Ecologist Richard Thompson praised his team's work in combating the rhododendron scourge. Thompson said: 'Following on from the success achieved by the National Trust at some of its sites, FLS is starting to use stem injection at large landscape scale. Results have been encouraging and we are hoping to roll out its use more widely across other FLS managed rainforests. 'FLS manages a substantial proportion of Scotland's rainforest, and with around 8000 hectares of priority rainforest rhododendron areas on land managed by FLS it is imperative that effective and efficient control measures at landscape scale can be refined and deployed. 'However, to truly control the spread of Rhododendron, it needs a strategic, collective and collaborative effort from all landowners and managers including estate and residential gardens.' Read more from Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco: 8,000 jobs boost in Peterhead after £1b energy transition investment Edinburgh University staff to strike today as 1800 job losses threatened 'The Hydro isn't real': Deacon Blue star on upbringing, career, and giving back In 2020 the National Trust for Scotland launched Project Wipeout, targeted at invasive species like rhododendron. According to the Trust: 'Cross breeding with frost-hardy rhododendron species from north east America has produced hybrid vigour and helped the plants adapt to colder temperatures. 'Together with its fertility and tolerance of shade, the plant has been able to thrive in our climate and out-compete native flora. 'Almost half of the core areas of Scotland's rainforests are being choked with R. ponticum.' Project Wipeout has been rolled out across Scotland over the last five years.
The Herald Scotland
05-06-2025
- General
- The Herald Scotland
NTS workers death-defying abseil to root out invasive species
The gravity-defying feat was undertaken to remove non-native species such as Japanese knotweed and Rhododendron that had established itself in the crags of the 60m deep gorge at Corrieshalloch Gateway to Nature. Property and conservation staff surveyed the gorge identifying sites where invasive plants had established themselves on the vertical cliff sides. Specialist rope access contractors were then deployed to wipe out the invasive plants by different means - mainly using stem treatment to apply a targeted dose of herbicide. The Invasive Non-native Species (INNS) project at Corrieshalloch is supported by funds raised by players of People's Postcode Lottery and awarded by Postcode Earth Trust. Workers have to get close to treat the stems of the invasive plants (Image: NTS) It follows the publication of the National Trust for Scotland's new Plan for Nature, which sets out its ambitions to conserve the nature in its care, which the Trust has special responsibility for. The plan outlines the actions the charity will undertake to address INNS which have been identified as a main driver of nature loss in Scotland. The National Nature Reserve in Wester Ross is one of eight reserves cared for by the conservation charity across the country. READ MORE: Plan for 'trotting track' at Bannockburn battlefield thrown out by Ministers Three years, 77,000 plants — the National Trust has aced its biggest test yet Rob Dewar, National Trust for Scotland INNS Project Officer, said: 'Our work at Corrieshalloch is part of our ongoing nature conservation to remove invasive non-native species and demonstrates the extreme lengths we go to, to protect the places in our care. 'These gravity defying feats are undertaken by our rope access specialists who support our conservation efforts in these hard-to-reach places where these species can quickly establish themselves, like on the vertiginous sides of the gorge. 'The National Trust for Scotland's INNS work is focused on eradicating invasive non-native plants, including Japanese knotweed, American skunk cabbage and Rhododendron ponticum. The work helps to tackle these species and protect native flora from being crowded out of their natural habitat to safeguard the biodiversity of Scotland's wild landscapes.' A specialist clings to the wall of the gorge (bottom right) (Image: NTS) Mr Dewar added: 'It is thanks to the continued generosity of our members and supporters, including players of People's Postcode Lottery, that we're able to continue our vital work to care for and protect Scotland's natural heritage at this special place for everyone to enjoy, now and into the future.' Players of People's Postcode Lottery have supported the conservation charity's Love Our Nature project since 2022 which benefited from £900k last year. Further funding will support nature conservation work across a variety of different habitats including coastal and marine areas, peatlands, wetlands, woodland, and the eight National Nature Reserves cared for by the Trust. Not a job for the faint-hearted (Image: NTS) Head of Charities at People's Postcode Lottery, Laura Chow, said: 'Players of People's Postcode Lottery will be delighted to know that they are supporting the important work of the National Trust for Scotland to protect the biodiversity of our country's beautiful landscapes.
Otago Daily Times
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
Quiz, auction to help buy series
Graeme Stradling's screenprint of Lake Wānaka will be one of the auction items. Photos: supplied Brain power will be needed to help raise some funds for the purchase of an art series. The Eastern Southland Gallery's has launched a fundraising appeal to purchase Jo Ogier's series, "He Wai Apakura — Te Ara Pounamu / The River's Lament — A Pathway of Treasures". The gallery is holding a quiz night on June 14, 7pm, at the Croydon Lodge Hotel, to help the fundraiser. Jacqueline Byars holds her 2024 woodcut of the Eastern Southland Gallery. The gallery said, in a statement, by combining the fun of a general knowledge quiz with the excitement of an auction of art, books and experiences, the night promised to be an entertaining one. Auction lots included a "Cooking the Catch" culinary class with Judy Taylor, a two-night stay at a central Dunedin Airbnb, a bundle of native plants, a printmaking workshop with artist Jacqueline Byars, and artworks by Dick Frizzell, Janet de Wagt, Fane Flaws, Jacqueline Byars and Graeme Stradling. There will also be raffles, a silent auction and spot prizes on the night. Janet de Wagt, Rhododendron, 2025, gouache on paper. All proceeds from the evening will go towards the purchase of Jo Ogier's series of 26 paintings which explore the many species of native flora and fauna that once defined Māruawai and the Mataura River Valley. Digitisation will allow for all 26 images to become backdrops for permanent displays of taonga within the district's new Māruawai Centre museum facility, allowing for future long-term community engagement. To book contact the Eastern Southland Gallery. —APL
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Yahoo
Don't touch that flower! These species are protected in Canada
Picking that pretty flower you spot on the trail could damage or even kill the plant you leave behind. And if it's one of Canada's protected species, you could face hefty fines and jail time. For example, wild American ginseng is endangered in Canada due to overharvesting from poachers. Even small roots are lucrative on the black market. Anyone caught illegally harvesting it can face fines of up to $250,000 and a year in jail. American ginseng. (Lori Owen/CC BY-NC 4.0) If you ever get near a plant, though, there's a good chance officials will know. In some spots, it is under motion-triggered video surveillance. In British Columbia, the Dogwood, Rhododendron, and Trillium Protection Act of 1996 made it illegal to pick these flowers on public and private land without the owner's consent. The act was repealed in 2002, but picking these plants remains prohibited. Flowering Dogwood, one of my backyard favorites. I only wish the flowering lasted longer 💚 — Cheryl ☕️🐈 🏕 🎼 (@CPoppino) May 15, 2025 うちの近所でも真っ盛り。ピンクのは4m近い。Huge rhododendrons in Vancouver.#ツツジ #シャクナゲ #rhodedendron #canada — Hiné Mizushima／水島ひね (@sheishine) May 13, 2025 If you spot a western red lily in Saskatchewan, leave it be. This provincial flower is protected under Saskatchewan's Provincial Emblem and Honours Act. Picking this plant could result in a fine of up to $500, and it probably won't survive. The species doesn't fare well when transplanted. The wild leek is a vulnerable species in Quebec, and a $250,000 fine, or more, is possible if you are caught trying to harvest one. Ontario is home to the trillium, which has been the provincial flower since 1937. File photo of a trillium via Canva Pro.* In 2009, the Ontario Trillium Protection Act was introduced, suggesting fines starting at $500 if an individual is caught picking the flower. That bill was never enacted, but picking a trillium is strongly discouraged because it can damage or kill the remaining plant. Remember: When you're out this summer, leave trails as you found them. Even plants that aren't protected deserve a chance to bloom. Header image: File photo of a western red lily. Mason Brock/Wikipedia/Public Domain
NDTV
25-04-2025
- NDTV
7 Unique Cultural Ways To Enjoy Rhododendron Season In Uttarakhand
Every spring, as winter loosens its grip on the Himalayan foothills, Uttarakhand erupts in a riot of red, pink, and white. Rhododendron — known locally as buransh — isn't just a pretty bloom here. It's woven into the rhythm of daily life, influencing everything from street snacks to forest hikes. If you're planning a spring getaway and want to skip the usual tourist trail, timing your trip with rhododendron season in Uttarakhand might be the best decision you make. Running from late February to early April, rhododendron season offers more than scenic Instagram backdrops. Here's how to experience it the local way-with flavour, folklore, and a little bit of altitude. Here's How To Celebrate The Rhododendron Season In Uttarakhand Like Locals: 1. Sip Buransh Juice From A Hill-Side Stall Start your rhododendron rendezvous the way locals do — by sipping a chilled glass of buransh juice. This tart, ruby-red drink is made from the petals of Rhododendron arboreum, the state flower of Uttarakhand. Rich in antioxidants and believed to boost heart health, it's a staple across roadside dhabas in Garhwal and Kumaon. Look for stalls in Mussoorie, Nainital, and Ranikhet where juice is sold in recycled glass bottles and often paired with pakoras for maximum mountain vibes. 2. Try Buransh Chutney At A Homestay If you're staying at a family-run guesthouse in villages like Kanatal, Almora, or Binsar, ask your host if they make buransh chutney. Each household has its own version — some spicy, some sweet, some with hints of jaggery or lemon. It's usually served with millet rotis or rice and is a true taste of local culture. Many families forage the flowers themselves, drying them in the sun before blending them with traditional spices. 3. Catch A Rhododendron Festival (Yes, That's A Thing) The annual Buransh Mahotsav is held in places like Pauri and Tehri to celebrate the flower's cultural and economic importance. Think folk dances, petal-infused dishes, handicrafts, and even beauty products made from rhododendron extract. The vibe is more rural fair than tourist trap — and that's exactly what makes it special. Dates vary, so check with local tourism offices in March. 4. Hike The Rhododendron Trails Of Chopta And Munsiyari While valleys like Yumthang in Sikkim are known for their blooms, Uttarakhand's lesser-known trails are equally stunning — and blissfully less crowded. The forests around Chopta, Tungnath, and Munsiyari transform into shades of crimson and coral in March. These trails aren't manicured; they're earthy, aromatic, and occasionally steep. Hire a local guide who knows where the best blooms are and can also point out edible herbs and wild berries along the way. 5. Shop For Handmade Buransh Souvenirs Move over mass-produced souvenirs. In villages around Joshimath and Uttarkashi, women-led self-help groups create artisanal products using dried rhododendron petals — think syrups, jams, squashes, and even lip balms. Buying these not only supports local livelihoods but also gives you a unique gift to take back home (way cooler than a fridge magnet). 6. Join A Village Walk With Local Storytellers Several community-run tourism initiatives, especially around Almora and Pithoragarh, offer guided village walks where locals talk about how rhododendrons have shaped everything from local medicines to folklore. Some even take you to see how the flowers are harvested and processed. It's a slower, more thoughtful way to travel — and a great way to chat with people who actually live in the landscapes we so often just pass through. 7. Camp Under Blooming Canopies Forget hotels for a night and pitch a tent near rhododendron groves in places like Khirsu or Chakrata. Local tour operators offer guided camping experiences complete with bonfires, basic meals, and sunrise treks through flower-laced forests. It's the kind of unplugged mountain moment that's becoming harder to find. Just make sure you carry out everything you carry in — these forests are delicate ecosystems.
