4 May (Part 1) - Cryptosporidium in Belvedere, Phytophthora Ramorum in Lesnes
I
know it’s basically a weed from China but I have always had a soft spot for
rhododendrons; ever since I got a prize from the infants school teacher for
being the only pupil in the class to spell it correctly in a test.
There is a glorious display of the Chinese weeds in Lesnes Abbey woods at this
time of the year but some of the bushes are looking a little sick right now.
One at least is infected with Phytophthora Ramorum
which is a name I doubt I could spell correctly if you ask me tomorrow.
Bexley Council is going to grub up the affected bush and burn it. They have even issued
a Press Release.
Note: Bexley Council claimed they had to close
Belvedere’s Splashpark because of the presence of Cryptosporidium. The official report said it
was only a risk. Don’t let the facts get in the way of a good story.