Does anyone know what the dense, shrubby plant is that covers much of the area around the tower (particularly to the west)?

Rhododendrons I think. They’re an introduced species and are pretty successful.

On open street maps that bit actually comes up as being called Rhododendron wood.
Might not need to worry about any vegetation on parts on Leith hill soon 👿

Hmm. It’s ground cover rather than bushes in the same area as the Rhododendrons. Guess it could be a low level Rhododendron type. More googling needed.

They’re bilberries

No, not bilberries – I like those. These exclude all other species in large swathes. The hanging gardens runs through them as do a number of the other older trails on that side. Dirty green colour and generally a midge fest area as soon as it warms up. Looks like I need pics and a flora.

Pics?

skaifan – Member 
Rhododendrons I think. They’re an introduced species and are pretty successful.

Considered invasive by some. Loads of it round Leith. Makes the little gully stuff nice runs with the shrubs though but they get overgrown at times.

I know what Bubs is referring and its not the Rho. Its the low level (almost like a heather) but with small waxy(?) leaves iirc seen over lots of the trails on the north side of the path between the tower & Starveall carpark. Got soaked the other day on a stroll as we pushed through…would also like to know what is as i did wonder at the time 😕

Nuke – I think yours might be bilberry or hurtleberry by the sound of it (heather height, small waxy leaves, flanged stems). This is a classic case of this thread is useless without pics.

Could be American strawberry – gaultheria

Introduced like rhodi and often in the same area. Really difficult to get rid of without lots of roundup. As invasive as rhodi.

Great call, Gaultheria shallon looks right and has been id’d on Leith Hill. STW never fails to amaze me. Thanks