Volunteers clear invasive plants from woodland

Volunteers have joined forces to clear invasive plants from a woodland.

Residents spent two days removing rhododendrons and cherry laurel from a site in Greenham, near Newbury, Berkshire, as part of a project organised by the charity Protect Earth.

The plants are popular in many gardens but known to reduce biodiversity when they spread through woodland and block light from reaching the forest floor.

Greg Loxton, who lives nearby, said the site had become overgrown and volunteers wanted to restore it.

"As you can see, a lot of it is completely overgrown and you can see the potential in here of having nice open woodland," he said.

Protect Earth's Phil Sturgeon said invasive plants could dominate woodlands by shading out other species and many in the UK were becoming overrun.

"As soon as it gets into a woodland, it just completely takes over," he said.

"We have a lot of existing forests that are progressing towards having the biodiversity of a car park."

The eight-acre site was bought by landowner Simon Rance a year ago.

He said rhododendrons had "suffocated" the woodland after becoming established over many years.

Rance hopes the restoration work will eventually allow pathways to be opened to the public and create opportunities for outdoor education because of the woodland's proximity to a local school.

Volunteers used loppers, bow saws and pole-mounted machetes to clear the invasive plants.

Tom Walker, who took volunteer leave to help with the work, said taking part had been a rewarding experience.

"I spend all day working at a desk. It feels quite nice that I am getting my hands dirty doing something that is actually beneficial for the community," he said.