The campus woodlands have become overgrown with schedule nine 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.
Recently, as of November 2024, the gardening team worked hard to clear the second phase of the invasive shrubs from the woodland:
- The extent of the clearance highlights the damage as there was nothing but these shrubs dominating the area.
- Absolutely no natural regeneration is happening. Even to the extent that the area was only 3-4 mature and layered shrubs, so genetic diversity as well as species diversity was poor.
- We will soon be replanting with the Love your Campus volunteers, with trees donated by the Woodland Trust!
