LEVER & MULCH
 
 

PICTURES
(click on small picture to enlarge)
BUD AN' BEINN. Ben Alligin in Torridon seen by peering over a dense, towering bank of R. ponticum. Liathach: after a long climb, view enjoyed from high above the rhododendrons Approaching Annatt in Torridon - the tourist's view of Ben Alligin and Liathach BEAUTY (see The Beast): rhododendron-choked forest at Torridon viewed from above. THE BEAST: rhododendron-choked forest viewed beneath. BEAUTY (see The Beast): rhododendron monoculture where there was once bluebell woodland. Duncraig from Plockton.
THE BEAST: within the Duncraig rhododendron monoculture where there was once bluebell woodland. THE BEAST: within the Duncraig rhododendron monoculture where there was once bluebell woodland. Classic British woodland BEFORE INVASION by Rododendron ponticum. Classic British woodland AFTER INVASION by Rododendron ponticum. They might as well have ... ... ! Donald Kennedy in full protective gear with the few tools required for Lever and Mulch: pruning saws and hammer.
Gordon French: dungarees and steel toe-capped boots are essential, but the visor is a must for eye protection. Taking time to size up a bush's weaknesses. Properly conducted, Lever and Mulch should not raise much of a sweat. Test ... ... and destroy. Having ascertained weaknesses, levering begins. Levering continues
Levering continues CRACK! A stem breaks away, successfully taking part of the bud crown with it. CRACK! Another stem breaks away, taking part of the bud crown with it. A small bush, demolished in a matter of minutes. Drawing brash over rootstock to make a mulch pile. Job done.
Four years after lever and Mulch.