Working alongside the Dorset Wildlife Trust, we recently took part in a rewarding conservation project at a Dorset nature reserve, tackling overgrown vegetation and performing vital maintenance on a bat house. This hands-on effort was all about restoring balance to the ecosystem, controlling problematic plants, and supporting the reserve’s wildlife, including its bat population. Here’s a detailed look at our work and its impact.Clearing Dense VegetationThe reserve was grappling with dense thickets of shrubs and ferns that were stifling biodiversity by blocking sunlight and preventing native plants from thriving.
Our mission was to create clearings using a range of tools: strimmers, brush cutters, and chainsaws. Strimmers were ideal for tackling lighter growth like bracken, while brush cutters and chainsaws handled tougher shrubs and small trees. Working methodically, we opened up space for wildflowers and grasses to regenerate, boosting habitat diversity.The cut vegetation, or arisings, was gathered and burned in controlled fires on-site. This traditional method efficiently disposed of the material, minimized the risk of regrowth from seeds or fragments, and returned nutrients to the soil, supporting the reserve’s long-term ecological health.Managing Problem Plants: Native vs. Non-Native InvasivesA core part of our work was controlling specific plants that were outcompeting others. We categorized them into native species (naturally occurring in the UK but sometimes overly dominant) and non-native invasive species (introduced plants that spread aggressively). Here’s the breakdown:Native Species:• Bracken (Pteridium aquiline): A native fern common in heathlands, bracken can form dense stands that suppress other plants. We used strimmers to cut it back, preventing it from dominating the site.• Yew (Taxus baccata): This native evergreen creates dense shade, inhibiting undergrowth. We selectively managed it with chainsaws to balance its presence.Non-Native Invasive Species:• Cotoneaster (e.g., Cotoneaster horizontalis): Native to Asia, this shrub escapes gardens and spreads via bird-dispersed berries, outcompeting natives.• Laurel (likely Cherry Laurel, Prunus laurocerasus): From Europe and Asia, it forms thickets that block light and release growth-inhibiting chemicals.• Buddleia (Buddleja davidii, Butterfly Bush): A Chinese native, it seeds prolifically, invading disturbed sites and reserves.• Rhododendron (Rhododendron ponticum): From southern Europe and Asia, it creates dense layers, acidifies soil, and harbors tree-damaging diseases.• Japanese Knotweed (Reynoutria japonica): A notorious East Asian invasive, it spreads via underground rhizomes, outcompeting all in its path.Controlling these species is vital, as non-natives disrupt ecosystems and reduce resources for wildlife, while dominant natives like bracken can limit biodiversity if left unchecked.Targeted Control MethodsTo manage these plants effectively, we used precise techniques. For larger shrubs and trees like laurel, buddleia, and rhododendron, we employed the “cut and paint” method. After cutting stems close to the ground with chainsaws or brush cutters, we immediately applied herbicide to the fresh stumps using a paintbrush to prevent regrowth. For smaller plants or dense patches, such as Japanese knotweed, we sprayed foliage with herbicide mixed with a blue dye marker. The dye ensured accurate application by showing where we’d treated, avoiding overuse or missed spots. All herbicides were conservation-approved, applied by trained team members following strict environmental guidelines.Safety was paramount: we wore protective gear, and the site was surveyed beforehand to avoid disturbing wildlife, such as nesting birds or bats.We carried out the works between September and February to minimise such disturbances.Grazing Allies: Horses, Donkeys, and CowsThe reserve also benefits from natural vegetation management through grazing by a horse, a donkey, and a herd of cows. These animals help “knock back” vegetation by browsing and trampling, creating varied sward heights and promoting wildflower growth. This sustainable method mimics traditional grazing practices, enhancing habitat diversity and supporting species like pollinators and ground-nesting birds.Maintaining the Bat HouseA highlight of our work was maintaining the reserve’s bat house, a structure designed to provide a safe roosting habitat for local bat populations. Bats are crucial for controlling insects and are sensitive to habitat changes, making the bat house a key feature. We checked the structure for damage, cleared debris, and used strimmers and brush cutters to remove encroaching vegetation around it, ensuring clear flight paths for bats. This maintenance supports species like pipistrelles or brown long-eared bats, which rely on safe roosts to thrive.Why This Matters for Dorset’s WildlifeOur combined efforts—vegetation management, invasive species control, and bat house maintenance—are part of the Dorset Wildlife Trust’s mission to protect and restore habitats. By clearing invasives and creating open spaces, we’re fostering conditions for native plants to flourish, supporting pollinators, birds, and mammals. The bat house maintenance directly aids these nocturnal species, enhancing their survival in the reserve. Together, these actions boost biodiversity, improve climate resilience, and create havens for species like the silver-studded blue butterfly or nightjar, which thrive in open heathlands.