However, it is not just the native fauna and flora that suffer. People with sensitive skin can find that any form of contact with this plant will bring them out in a rash and cases of non-fatal human poisoning have also been reported, caused by the consumption of honey produced from the flowers. There are even reports from vets of the suspected fatal poisoning of dogs that have chewed Rhododendron sticks.
But the fightback has begun.
To the casual visitor this may seems like wanton destruction but the fact is that without this clearance the casual visitor would not be able to wander freely and uninhibited through this woodland or, in an alarmingly short time-span, through any part of the woods. There would be no paths for them to follow, there would be no spectacular display of bluebells in the spring, there would be no woodland views, there would be no exciting glimpse of darting deer; there would be nothing but a dense wall of Rhododendron, impenetrable and smothering.
Meanwhile, the flames from the fire get higher as more vegetation is added and, driven by a keen breeze, they leap and writhe in an endless pattern of hot colours, mesmerising and beautiful and at the same time frightening in their intensity. Glowing orange embers add new burn holes to my clothing and force me to duck and weave, as though from a swarm of irate bees.
Another day over and another step taken towards the reclaiming of this corner of ancient woodland.
Details of the latest countryside management tasks can be found on the Urban Countryman facebook page: Urban Countryman.