Wild Groombridge volunteers were busy recently removing an unusual plant from ponds in Groombridge Place – the American Skunk Cabbage. As its name implies it does smell awful and has been banned from sale in the UK for many years. Its classified as “invasive” because it overwhelms native species in ponds and marshy areas. Its huge leaves spread wide smothering all other plants. It might take 5 or six years to start seeding but that is when the damage can really set in, as the whole wildlife chain can be affected with major ecology changes and the loss of many native plants and pollinators. In the worst cases waterways can eventually become almost devoid of life.
The Wild Groombridge working party led by Ian and Sarah (Gillie, Maddie, and Chloe and Mike) were ably assisted by Liam one of the directors of the UK Owl and Raptor Centre based at Groombridge Place.
Waders and digging equipment were donated by Home Grown Hotels Ltd (The Pig Group) who own Groombridge Place and are very supportive of these conservation measures..
Please let us know if you find any other local areas where Skunk Cabbage is becoming established .
If nature conservation interests you please sign up for other volunteer sessions which we will announce from time to time.
July 24
Wild Groombridge 
Great work, and good for the Pig supporting the project.
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