Latest news with #Rhododendron
The Herald Scotland
3 days ago
- 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
5 days ago
- 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.
Daily Record
23-04-2025
- Climate
- Daily Record
Warning to homeowners with this type of tree in their garden
Some weeds and invasive grasses can also become highly flammable in hot, dry conditions as gardeners are told to keep a close eye on their outdoor spaces The country is set for a mini heatwave next week and while that is something to look forward to, it can also bring about issues in our gardens. And experts have warned homeowners to keep a close eye on their outdoor spaces as there will be an increased risk of fires. With temperatures expected to rise from tomorrow (Thursday April 24) and a bumper spell of sunshine and warm weather expected to last weeks, a warning has been issued to gardeners that some invasive grasses and weeds can become flammable in hot, dry conditions. It's worth keeping a close eye on the species in your garden and following a few warm weather rules to prevent any fires, said experts at Environment Controls. And they said that those with Eucalyptus trees in their gardens should pay close attention to them as they are particularly prone to drying out and posing a fire risk. Darren Greatbatch, specialist advisory manager said that other invasive plants such as Giant hogweed, Japanese knotweed, Rhododendron and Himalayan balsam become dry and brittle as their flowering season ends, and can also become a fire risk as the temperatures creep up. He said: 'These plants might look harmless, but when the heat hits, they can become a serious fire risk. "They dry out fast, especially if they've been left untreated and the stalks can ignite easily, especially if they are near fences, decking or sheds." And it's not just the fire risk, plants like Giant hogweed release toxic sap that causes skin burns, making this plant one to avoid whether in the garden or out in the countryside. The good news is that you don't need to overhaul your entire garden. There are a few easy steps you can take as the mercury rises to help keep your garden cooler and reduce the risk of invasive weeds drying out and becoming a hazard. Here are five simple garden hacks to reduce the risk of fires during the heatwave: Water early in the day Soak your garden in the early morning to lock in moisture. Midday watering is mostly wasted as it just evaporates. Add mulch A layer of bark or compost helps trap moisture in the soil and keeps roots cool. It also slows weed growth. Create shade Use garden furniture or parasols to block the sun from dry areas and overgrowth. Don't pile up garden waste Dried dead plants can quickly catch fire in the heat so it's best to get these removed rather than leaving piles of garden waste around. Certain invasive plants need to be removed by a specialist contractor – if in doubt don't bin it, ditch it or compost it – get professional advice. Tackle problem plants now If you've got invasive species, don't wait. A quick survey and treatment now could prevent a fire or a costly repair job later on.
