Rhodie Bashing and Farewell

Today was the final day of the Residential but before we said goodbye we headed up to see the NTS Rangers for a morning of rhodie bashin.  Rhododendron ponticum is an invasive plant that damages native ecology and the team at Brodick Country Park are engaged in a long running battle to bring the plant under control. We were happy to help!

On the way to meet the rangers we found a sleepy slow worm.

Some of the rhodie plants are absolutely huge.

We cut the brash and burned it. Later we toasted marsh mallows on the fire.

The team on their final morning before saying farewell.

Otter Watching and cutting down Rhodedendrons

After a very unnecessary early start we caught the bus to do some otter watching with the renowned wild life explorer Lucy Wallace. We had the delightful pleasure of seeing seals,otters and lots of birds.

Sophie and Tom having a nice time

Lucy's amazing photography through the telescope. In case you are wondering it is an otter

We then caught the bus to Brodick Castle and had lunch at the adventure playground. We then proceeded to do what is described as Rhodie bashing. Which involves cutting down rhododendrons plants. This is the best fun we have had so far. And we were introduced to Richard, the Ranger.

As you can see there's nothing but smiles!

Look at that cheesy grin!

Hard at work.

The whole group

We tried to get the mighty Richard in the photo but unfortunately he didn't want to be in, but the rest of us decided to go in the picture anyway.

Laura and John