Work to remove 'invasive alien plant species' at Belvedere

Westmeath County Council are planning work at Belvedere House Gardens and Park to remove cherry laurel and rhododendron – which they say are “invasive alien plant species”.

They would originally have been grown as ornamental plants, but they have taken over to such an extent that they are now damaging other species.

The cherry laurel and rhododendron are being tackled under a Management Plan for Invasive Alien Plants Species at Belvedere Gardens and Park.

Other invasive plants being managed at Belvedere this autumn are Japanese knotweed and bohemian knotweed.

Herbicide is being applied by means of stem injection, where the plants are growing near a water course, or by targeted spraying at other locations.

This is the third year of implementing the multi-annual plan to manage invasive species at Belvedere.

The long-term effect will be to reduce the hold of such plant, helping to restore biodiversity.

“These important annual works manage and remove invasive species that if left untreated would undermine the fabric and biodiversity of Belvedere House, Gardens and Park,” said manager Stephen Masterson.

All work is being undertaken by appropriately trained personnel, in line with best practice and according to the management plan.

The works are being funded by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage through their Local Biodiversity Action Fund (LBAF) Grant Scheme, with support from Westmeath County Council.