Invasive Species Clearance on Winter Hill | 24th August
Join us for an invigorating day of environmental conservation on Winter Hill in Lancashire. This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to the preservation of our natural landscapes, meet like-minded nature enthusiasts, and enjoy the stunning scenery.
Winter Hill is the large peatland moor north of Bolton. Ravaged by a moorland fire in 2018, the burnt peat is now being colonised by Molinia grass and Rhododendrons. Although attractive to look at, rhododendrons are an invasive species, which outcompete all native plants, so nothing grows underneath, reducing biodiversity. With heavy rain the bare peat underneath washes away, adding to erosion, reducing quality of drinking water and increasing flood risk. We want to keep the peat on the hill where it stores huge amounts of carbon.
Removing rhododendrons will benefit nature, reduce flood risk, improve our water quality and help fight climate change.
Date and time
Sunday 24th August 9:45 - 3pm
Location
About 1km SE of Belmont, meet at small parking area through metal farm gates off the south side of the main road A675 (Grid reference SD680153). The entrance is difficult to see, but is about 100m outside the 30mph speed signs into Belmont and next to the public footpath. It is probably easier to go into the parking space approaching from Belmont, and turning right. Space is limited to about 6 cars so please do park carefully.
IF THE PARKING SPACE IS FULL THEN WE ARE ALLOWED TO PARK ON THE LOWER PARKING AREA OF LOTTIES CAFÉ, BELMONT ROAD BL7 9QT WHICH IS ONLY A SHORT 5 MINUTE WALK FROM THE MEETING POINT. AS THE GROUND IS SO WET THIS IS A GOOD OPTION FOR PARKING.
Meet at 9.45am for 10.00am start. There are no facilities at the start point. We aim to be finished by 3.00pm.
PLEASE DO TAKE CARE WHEN TURNING INTO AND LEAVING THE PARKING AREA AS THE MAIN ROAD A675, ALTHOUGH NOT BUSY, DOES HAVE CARS GOING AT SPEED.
How to sign up
Please sign up via the Eventbrite link below.
If you have any questions, please contact lead volunteer organiser Steve Charles stevecharles25@gmail.com
Why it’s worthwhile:
Winter Hill is the large peatland moor north of Bolton. Ravaged by a moorland fire in 2018, the burnt peat is now being colonised by Molinia grass and Rhododendrons. Although attractive to look at, rhododendrons are an invasive species, which outcompete all native plants, so nothing grows underneath, reducing biodiversity. With heavy rain the bare peat underneath washes away, adding to erosion, reducing quality of drinking water and increasing flood risk. We want to keep the peat on the hill where it stores huge amounts of carbon.
Removing rhododendrons will benefit nature, reduce flood risk, improve our water quality and help fight climate change.
What will the work involve?
We will walk a short distance, about 1km to the work area. Spending around 4 to 5 hours, working as part of a small team, we will remove the smaller rhododendron plants from an area of about one square kilometre on the north eastern slopes of Winter Hill (circa SD674148). Under guidance from United Utilities, the landowner, and Natural England we will dispose of the plants initially by gathering into heaps, for later removal.
What to bring
Participants will be expected to wear or carry weather resistant clothing (including gloves and headwear) suitable for the conditions prevailing on the day which may be cold, wet and windy (meaning warm clothing and waterproofs). Footwear should be warm solid boots with grippy soles. The distance to walk is short, and the moor may be wet, so good comfortable Wellington boots with warm socks is a valid option. Carry sufficient food and fluid for a full-day hill walk. There will not be any opportunities to buy refreshments during the day so bring everything you want with you.
For the plant removal work please bring gardening gloves (in cold weather old winter gloves ideal). NT Rangers will provide all other tools.
NOTE: REMOVING RHODODENDRON PLANTS IS NOT FOR THE FAINT-HEARTED AND THEY CAN BE VERY DIFFICULT TO REMOVE, EVEN APPARENTLY SMALL PLANTS, AND THERE IS A RISK OF BACK INJURY FROM BENDING AND DIGGING OUT PLANTS. WE WILL BE GIVING SOME SAFETY TIPS AT THE BEGINNING OF THE SESSION BUT BE CAREFUL WITH YOUR FOOTING, ESPECIALLY ON STEEP SLOPES AND HAVE A “SPOTTER”. DON’T OVER EXERT YOURSELF AND MAKE SURE YOU ARE WORKING WITHIN YOUR PHYSICAL LIMITS.
Uneven ground in this area, mainly from the molinia grass tussocks, is another major hazard and their growth can hide small holes, gullies, etc. The tussocks are a significant trip hazard, can cause sprained ankles (though suitable footwear mitigates this).
Who can come
This event is open to BMC members and accompanying friends, over 18. All participants must book a place in advance. No dogs.
More information about Rhododendron ponticum as invasive species