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th Date : 12th September 2011 Dear Stakeholder,

RE: OXHEY WOODS LNR RHODODENDRON CONTROL PLAN

Please find attached a copy of the above report, which has been complied for council (TRDC) following a detailed survey of Invasive Rhododendron ponticum in Oxhey Woods Local Nature Reserve, South Oxhey. Prior to implementation of any of the report findings, Countryside Management Service (CMS) are conducting a six week period of consultation starting on Monday 12th September 2011.

Following the survey work the report produced is designed to enable a co-ordinated approach and prioritised action to control and eventually eradicate invasive rhododendron from the Local Nature Reserve.

Where extensive stands of invasive rhododendron have become established the ground flora, which is an integral part of ancient woodland such as Oxhey Woods, is severely impoverished. As rhododendron matures the deep shade cast by dense stands of vegetation prevents the natural regeneration of woodland as new tree seedlings cannot become established. This will mean that new generations of trees cannot develop to replace those lost, with the eventual reduction of woodland cover.

Dense, impenetrable stands of rhododendron can also prevent pedestrian access to a site and make woodland dark & forbidding, which may make people more fearful for their personal safety. Rhododendron has also recently been identified as the main woodland host for fungal pathogens known to cause the sudden death of Oak and Beech trees. Hence control of rhododendron can help prevent the spread of these pathogens and reduce the likelihood of the infection spreading through wooded areas.

One of the main areas of mature rhododendron bushes known as the rhododendron walk is found in the southern compartment of Oxhey Woods. It is thought that this area is the original source of much of the invasive rhododendron in the woods.

Sponsored by: Hertfordshire County Council, City and District of , District Council, Borough Council, District Council, Three Rivers District Council, and also supported by Broxbourne Borough Council and Hatfield Council

To conserve this valued historic feature, it is proposed that the cleared areas of invasive rhododendron are replanted with less aggressive species of rhododendron in a phased programme over several years. This will also ensure that an attractive display of flowers will be maintained and the new rhododendron will have time to establish before the existing rhododendron is removed.

As part of the consultation process there will be a walk around the woods to discuss the proposals. The walk will start at 11am on Saturday 15th October 2011; meet at the reserve car park at the junction of Prestwick road / the Woods and Oxhey Drive.

If you would like to view a hard copy of the report they are available at the TRDC office in Rickmansworth, Rural Parish Council Office in South Oxhey, and the CMS office in St Albans. It is also available to download from the TRDC and CMS websites.

As a stakeholder in Oxhey Woods please can you to view the report and submit any comments to CMS by Monday 24th October 2011 at the very latest. If you have any queries regarding the proposals, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Yours Sincerely Alex Laurie CMS Project Officer

Sponsored by: Hertfordshire County Council, City and District of St Albans, East Hertfordshire District Council, Hertsmere Borough Council, North Hertfordshire District Council, Three Rivers District Council, and also supported by Broxbourne Borough Council and Council