A COLOURFUL spectacle on the Quantock Hills looks set to bloom for the last time this year because of fears it could harbour a vicious killer.

Conservationists are bracing themselves for a backlash over plans to clear Vinny Combe near West Quantoxhead of all rhododendrons this autumn.

The purple-flowered rhododendron ponticum is known to act as a host for the as yet incurable disease Sudden Oak Death, which infects and can kill a range of plants including bilberry, beech, larch, hazel and birch.

Local conservation organisations said an outbreak of Sudden Oak Death would be disastrous for the Quantocks and that without a cure, prevention was the only course of action.

But the area is a favourite with walkers and tourists, many of whom visit the combe just to see the glorious display of rhododendrons.

The popular Greenway trail runs through the combe and the community website Quantock Online urges walkers to take time to admire the "beautiful rhododendron".

The website said: "The Greenway continues along a footpath on the left hand side of the pub heading through a disused quarry into Vinny Combe.

"The valley is filled with rhododendrons and it is well worth wandering further up this combe during May when they are in bloom."

The website acknowledges the damage that can be done by the invasive plant as it spreads and destroys heathland habitat, but said its presence in some areas should be accepted.

"Complete eradication of the rhododendron is not really a viable option and in some areas, such as Vinny Combe where it has a firm and attractive stronghold, its presence must be accepted," the website said.

But it is concerns over the impact of Sudden Oak Death and not the effect of the rhododendrons on the heathland that could lead to its demise in the combe.

Such is the fear that the Food and Environment Research Agency has invested £25 million in a five-year research and control programme, which includes rhododendron management.

Nigel Garnsworthy, Somerset countryside head warden for the National Trust, which owns Vinny Combe, said Sudden Oak Death, also known as phytophthora ramorum, was a "real concern":

"Our experience in other parts of the country tells us that it is far better to clear this species of rhododendron now rather than wait for an outbreak of the disease on the Quantocks.

"Left unchecked it would have a devastating impact on the hills if it were to become established."

In itself, rhododendron ponticum is a particularly aggressive coloniser of acid sandy soils such as those of the Quantocks.

As the rhododendrons spread, natural heathland and grass habitats are overwhelmed, leading to the loss of native species of flora and fauna, including birds like the nightjar and Dartford warbler, butterflies like the small heath and grayling and reptiles such as the slow worm and common lizard.

Chris Edwards, Quantock Hills AONB manager, said: "This work is vital to safeguard the nationally-important landscape of the Quantock Hills that we all know and love.

"We understand the concerns of the local community who regard Vinny Combe as an asset to the hills and a beauty spot, but phytophthora ramorum presents a very real threat and after discussions with parish councillors and the Quantock Commons Management Group we have agreed this is the best course of action."

The cost of the rhododendron clearance will be covered by Natural England.

Tim Brodie-James, phytophthora lead officer at Natural England, said: "The Quantock Hills are designated for their outstanding wildlife value and we have a responsibility to conserve and enhance this.

"Recognising the serious threat that the pathogen poses, Natural England is working in partnership to clear and dispose of large areas of rhododendron.

"This will reduce the area as a potential host and thereby reduce the risk of establishment of phytophthora ramorum to adjoining areas and encourage the growth of a mosaic of heather and other characteristic dwarf heathland shrubs and acid grassland."