Invasive non-native species

Rhododendron ponticum control

There are a number of other invasive plants threatening Scottish habitats. Manta Ecology provides services in the control of a wide range of such weed species including;

• Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica)
• Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera)
• American skunk cabbage (Lysichiton americanus)
• Piri piri burr (Acaena ovalis)
• Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster sp.)
• Giant rhubarb (Gunnera sp.)

The surveillance of ‘garden escapes’ which may in time prove invasive is an important part of our approach to habitat protection, plants such as montbretia (Crocosmia sp.) have the potential to prove invasive.

Further reading

• Manta Ecology Plant Swap Scheme
• R. ponticum control methods
• Rhododendrons: Edwards (2006)
• Rhododendrons: Parrot and MacKenzie (2013)
• Japanese knotweed: Ford (2004)

Rhododendron ponticum control

The oakwoods of the western seaboard of Scotland, known as the ‘Celtic Rainforest’, are one of the most precious and beautiful of all Scottish habitats. Protecting and restoring these woods is a major conservation priority. One of the greatest threats to these woods is the highly invasive Rhododendron ponticum (R. ponticum).

Manta Ecology’s approach to the control of this plant has been developed in Western Scotland, with the aim of minimising the impact on native ecosystems and to aid the recovery of the woodland habitats.

We offer a full package of:

• Advice and assistance with funding
• On site surveys and GIS mapping
• The preparation of management plans
• Control
• Follow-up eradication treatment
• Site clearance
• Manta Ecology Plant Swap Scheme

Every Rhododendron is different! We use a variety of control methods depending on the onsite conditions, R. ponticum control methods