No longer will Brownsea Island be seen from the shore resplendent in its purple cloak in springtime.

After 50 years of battling against the non-native rhododendron, there is only one of the plants left on the Poole Harbour island.

And one lucky person will be given the chance to cut down the last remaining shrub by Dorset Wildlife Trust, which manages the reserve on the National Trust island.

The large, purple flowering shrub, introduced in the 19th century, has rampaged through the island’s woods, threatening creatures such as the red squirrel.

“This is a momentous occasion and a real privilege for the lucky winner,” said Abby Gibbs, the trust’s warden on the island.

“We have been fighting this plant for many years, as it is a huge threat to the island wildlife. Rhododendron does very well in the UK and spreads quickly across forest floors.

“This shrub grows so quickly that it suffocates all of our wildflowers and trees that many native species depend on, such as butterflies and birds. We are very pleased that after so long, this autumn we will finally be getting rid of the last one.”

The trust manages around half of the island and has been working with volunteer groups for half a century to cut down and burn rhododendron ponticum to allow wildlife to re-establish in the area.

This prize is being raffled as part of the trust’s 50for50 Challenge in celebration of its 50th anniversary, raising money for further conservation work across Dorset.

The winner will be announced on September 1 and the final cut will be made in the autumn. Rhody Raffle tickets can be bought for £1 on the island or phone the trust on 01305 264620.