When purchased by the present owners in 2011, rhododendron was present throughout Sable Wood. Over successive winters it was progressively uprooted and by the end of March 2017 it had been substantially eliminated, with only a few isolated patches remaining.

This extensive patch of rhododendron at the foot of Marjorie’s Path was removed over the 2014/15 winter. The waste  material was used to create dead hedging around which was planted various species of wildlife friendly native hedging including hawthorn (Crataegus monogyny), blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), hazel (Corylus avellana), common dogwood (Cornus sanguinea) and field maple (Acer campestre).   At the same time a number of overshadowing Scots pine were felled.

The next picture is of the same spot after the rhododendron was cleared. The beech tree is thriving under the increased light levels. Dormice boxes and bug hotels made by the 5th Farnham (Bourne) Beaver Scout Group were installed in nearby trees.