A view of the rhododendron in Vinnicombe. The plant began to establish itself in the combe during the 1930’s, probably after being planted to provide cover for pheasants, and it became very popular with visitors, when in flower. As an alien species, which provided very little to our native flora and fauna, it became a problem. In about 2011 the risk of Phytophthora (“sudden oak death”) which can infect rhododendron without harming it led to a decision to remove the rhododendron, and also (for the same reason) the Larch trees in Staple Plantation.