The campus woodlands have become overgrown with schedule 9 non-native invasive shrubs, harming biodiversity and woodland health.
Three invasive species - Rhododenderon ponticum, Prunus lusitanica & Purnus laurocerasus, - cast dense shade and out-compete the woodland flora, and hinder the growth of the next generation of trees. As a result, our woodlands feature mainly mature trees with sparse understory.
The ongoing project aims to carefully eliminate the invasive shrubs in phases and reintroduce native species like Holly, Yew or Box to restore our native flora. Diverse native plants have many benefits, including constant food sources for insects due to their varied flowering times throughout the year.
