Volunteers needed for rhododendron removal near Rhayader, Powys

Intro

Come and have a fun day rhodo bashing with Protect Earth! It's very satisfying and we would love to meet you.

Protect Earth is a registered charity, helping farmers and landowners increase tree cover and biodiversity on their land. We plant trees on unused and degraded farmland, use trees to provide shade and shelter for crops and livestock, remove invasive species, create wildflower meadows, and help with tree maintenance for saplings that are struggling.

What is happening?

There is an area of rhododendrons which is taking over this beautiful woodland. The owner of the wood has done their best to keep it under control but there is too much to do. A blitz with some willing volunteers will make all the difference. The plants are easily accessible, and of a manageable size to be tackled by volunteers with bowsaws and loppers. The cut branches will be stacked off the ground to ensure they don't regrow.

We appreciate volunteers who are able to come for part of the day or whole day and you don't need previous experience.

Why do we need to do this?

Rhododendrons may look pretty in your garden, but they can be very invasive when the seeds escape and land in in the wild. Natural habitats survive in a delicate balance and rhododendrons cause harm above and below the ground. Below the soil, these plants can change the soil health making soil pH unsuitable for other plants to grow and support life. Above the soil, invasive plants quickly spread, soaking up all the sunlight available to them. This either crowds out other plants or casts too much shadow on smaller plants which then can’t access sunlight.

Uninhabitable soil, lack of space or sunlight for native species reduces the number of homes for insects and animals and reduces food access too, so it's important to remove these rhododendrons before it’s too late.

What do I need to bring/ know?

Full details will be sent out a week before the event, including the address and meeting place. Please come dressed for the weather.

We will provide tea, coffee, and biscuits to keep you going, but please bring your own lunch and snacks, and a refillable water bottle as there will be water available to top up.

You can bring your own tools if you prefer, but we have plenty that you can borrow.

Will there be parking?

There is on-site parking.

Whenever possible we encourage volunteers to car share, use public transport, or even cycle, to keep emissions down and avoid stressing parking space.

What happens if we need to cancel?

Bad weather is difficult to plan for. In general, we will continue if it’s raining, but if extreme weather is forecast we will have to postpone an event for your safety. We will try and notify you as soon as we possibly can, and you’ll be invited to the rescheduled event.