We've completed two thirds of all the open ground creation at Broadwater Warren. The final third of the open ground will be created over the next three years. This ambitious project involves removing pines that were planted on this previously open ground. As we remove the planted pines, the heather seeds germinate and the land springs back into life. The result will be a nature reserve that is roughly 50% woodland and 50% heathland. It will be teeming with wildlife and an amazing place to visit. In the areas cleared over the last 3 years the native heather is flourishing. Woodlarks, tree pipits, skipper butterflies and honey bees have all returned to make it their summer home.
The work starting this year.
Ordinarily, a forestry company would harvest these trees and replant with more trees, but we're not going to re-plant, as this area used to be open. It was first planted in 1952. We're going to clear the ground of brash and give chance for the dormant heather seeds below to germinate.
For safety and security, some of the paths are going to be closed over the next couple of months, as the work takes place. The main paths from the visitor car park will remain open. The nature trail will remain open.
If you have any questions about the work or the RSPB's long term project to bring the wildlife back to Broadwater Warren, do please contact us on 01892 752430 or via broadwater.warren@rspb.org.uk