Rhododendron Removal

Some of you may have noticed that last winter a large area of Rhododendron was removed from Holme Fen NNR. This winter we followed up this work by removing a number of other significant areas of Rhododendron around the reserve.

Rhododendron ponticum (the rhododendron species found most widely in the UK) is not native to this country. It was brought over in the 18^th century and widely planted as an ornamental shrub and as cover for game birds. Since that time, Rhododendron has become a problematic and highly invasive plant in the UK. One of the reasons for its success as an invasive species is that Rhododendron has toxic compounds in its foliage, resulting in it growing virtually unchecked by herbivory in the UK. In addition, Rhododendron has a dense, dark canopy that persists throughout the year, creating conditions underneath it in which virtually no native plants can survive (though it is highly shade tolerant itself). And ultimately, Rhododendron also produces large numbers of small seeds that are dispersed long distances in the wind, helping it spread to new habitats and quickly coming to dominate large areas.

As a result of its detrimental impacts on biodiversity, we have taken the decision to start more seriously controlling (even trying to eradicate if possible) Rhododendron at Holme Fen. We understand that many people used to enjoy the Rhododendron, particularly when it was in flower - but we think that the negative impacts of this plant on native wildlife at the NNR are significant enough to warrant our control measures. Please do get in touch if you would like more information.

Raised Bog Restoration

Rhododendron particularly thrives in nutrient-poor environments due to its Ericoid mycorrhiza; special fungi that help it to access nutrients locked up in complex organic matter in the litter layer and soil. Holme Fen contains areas of raised bog, acid grassland and heath; all important nutrient-poor habitats that can be hugely negatively impacted by Rhododendron.

The areas of raised bog at Holme Fen are particularly special (being extremely rare in this part of the country) but also particularly delicate. Alongside the Rhododendron threat, trees like the birch that makes up most of Holme Fen draw up huge amounts of moisture from the soil. Because the raised bog habitat requires high levels of soil moisture, the presence of trees within it is quite damaging. Part of our regular winter management work at Holme Fen is removing birch regrowth from the areas of bog to ensure that they remain wet, rather than simply becoming birch woodland like the rest of Holme Fen.

Bog Myrtle

Adjacent to our small area of raised bog, we have been doing some more removal of birch to try and benefit Bog Myrtle. Bog Myrtle is a lovely native species that thrives in wet, nutrient-poor conditions. Like Rhododendron, this is in part due to it having special relationships with microorganisms. However, unlike Rhododendron, Bog Myrtle is not very shade tolerant. As a result, we have completed some felling work and by removing the taller vegetation from around the Bog Myrtle, we hope to give it the best opportunity to thrive.

We hope you can get out to enjoy the Bog Myrtle at Holme Fen this summer. At this time of year, it is in flower; with male plants being covered in yellow/brown catkins. Through the rest of the summer it is the smell that is perhaps the main attraction of Bog Myrtle; a heady, sweet, gently-spiced scent.

Dogs on Leads

To help us protect the special vegetation like Bog Myrtle at Holme Fen, please note that dogs are required to be kept on a lead throughout the main growing season (from 1^st of March to 31^st of July). This also protects the ground-nesting birds and other sensitive wildlife. Thank you for your cooperation.