Invasive plants are weeded out

A four-year project is under way to remove invasive plant species that harm native woodlands and animals.

The Working Woodlands project is removing rhododendron from a number of sites where the plant out-competes other species, forming dense stands that shade out native species, stopping them from growing.

It is also unpalatable to most invertebrate species due to toxins in the foliage and harbours diseases, which harm oak and beech trees.

Skilled contractors working with the New Forest Land Advice Service are also reducing numbers of cherry laurel and turkey oak, to encourage the growth of native fauna.

Those wishing to help the project may look to their own gardens and consider introducing native planting in hedges such as holly, hazel, blackthorn, hawthorn, beech, yew and field maple.