Rhododendron Ponticum Stem Injection Control

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Rhododendron (R. ponticum) is a highly invasive non-native species which has colonised semi-natural woodland throughout areas of Brodick Country Park. The plant was introduced to Brodick Castle Gardens as an ornamental species during Victorian times, when it was also planted in shelter belts and as game cover on the wider estate. Over time, R. ponticum has spread from these original plantings, infesting semi-natural woodland and threatening these areas’ biodiversity. There is concern that Phytophthora kernoviae (or P. ramorum, currently present on the island) may return to the grounds and threaten the health of native as well as horticultural trees and shrubs, emphasising the high importance of controlling rhododendron, one of its main host species, in the wider estate. This contract forms part of the National Trust for Scotland’s ongoing programme to control and ultimately eradicate rhododendron (Rhododendron ponticum) from Brodick Country Park.

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