DEAN GREEN TEAM Wildlife Conservation Group in the Forest of Dean Gloucestershire

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25 October 2016

Staunton Meend

Grid Ref SO543123

 

Over the years we have regularly visited Staunton Meend to remove the invasive birch on the heathland. This is now proving to have an effect as most of the birch is only a year or two old so we pulled it up from the roots as best as we could! 

The common name birch comes from Old English birce. Birches often form even-aged stands on light, well-drained, particularly acidic soils. They are regarded as pioneer species, rapidly colonising open ground and can become a threat to heathland if the seedlings and saplings are not suppressed by grazing or regular removal.

 

 

	The team are having a tea break sitting in the bracken which is also regularly bashed to weaken it.
	The tree lopper is being used as it can pull up the roots of the trees.
	The open vista is quite deceptive although some of the small birch can still be seen.