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Rewilding and the weed that ate the South

Rewilding and the weed that ate the South

FromGardening with the RHS


Rewilding and the weed that ate the South

FromGardening with the RHS

ratings:
Length:
33 minutes
Released:
Jan 27, 2022
Format:
Podcast episode

Description

From Sussex to South Carolina, this week we're exploring what happens when plants take over. What do you get if you mix poor quality farmland, a passion for wildlife and a biodiversity crisis? The answer is a pioneering rewilding project that has stunned ecologists and revolutionised ideas about nature conservation in Britain. We head to Knepp Estate in Sussex to meet Isabella Tree and find out more. 

Bill Finch is a naturalist who grew up in the Deep South of the USA. Here he witnessed a very different form of rewilding from an invasive plant, kudzu (Pueraria montana). It became infamous during the 20th century for swamping roadsides and blanketing everything in its path - becoming known as a scourge and 'the vine that ate the South'. But is it as much of a problem as people think?

And finally, podcast regulars Fiona Davison and Gareth Richards discuss the history of two very wild plants, ivy (Hedera helix) and Japanese knotweed (Reynoutria or Fallopia japonica).

More information
Knepp Wildland
Rewild your garden with tips from Springwatch 
RHS wildlife gardening hub
Learn more about ivy 
Ivy on houses
RHS ivy monograph
Japanese knotweed advice from the RHS 
Released:
Jan 27, 2022
Format:
Podcast episode

Titles in the series (100)

'Gardening with the RHS' offers seasonal advice, inspiration and practical solutions to gardening problems. Trusted gardening professionals give you the latest horticultural advice, scientific research and tried and tested techniques to bring out the best in your garden. Topics covered include: growing your own vegetables, flowers, garden design, lawn care and gardening with children. Plus expert masterclasses in topics ranging from cottage garden plants, growing orchids, to pest control and eco-friendly gardening. Plus we’ll have behind the scenes reports from the country’s most prestigious flower shows. There’s something in these podcasts to interest every gardener, whatever your level of expertise. For more info see www.rhs.org.uk/podcast A Pixiu production.