We are in the midst of a biodiversity crisis, with species populations declining at a worrying rate locally, nationally and internationally. Here at Rushmere, and across Greensand Country, we are seeking to create more and larger habitats, improve their quality and connect them up with each other to help nature recover.

An important part of The Greensand Trust’s work is conserving and enhancing the distinctive landscape, wildlife and history of the Greensand Ridge and wider area. At Rushmere Country Park we are working hard to reintroduce natural habitats for the benefit of flora, fauna and wildlife, re-creating rare endangered heathland habitat at Lord's Hill, Shire Oak Heath and Oak Wood whilst carrying out woodland conservation work in the plantation areas of the park that were planted as a crop by previous landowners.

Increasing biodiversity, species and habitats

What is habitat restoration?

There are many ecosystem restoration initiatives in the UK including heathland and grassland, woodland and marine habitats. At Rushmere Country Park we deal with heathland and grassland restoration and woodland management.

Heathland

Lowland heathland is a broad term that refers to a mosaic of wet, damp and dry habitats, characterised by attractively flowering dwarf shrubs such as heathers (ling, bell and crossleaved heaths) and gorses (common, western or dwarf). They are generally found on poor, acidic soils, in relatively wet areas with a mild temperature and below about 300 metres altitude. They support many rare plants and animals, such as the marsh gentian, southern damselfly, nightjar and sand lizard, which often live only in these areas.

Open heathland is rarer than rain forest. In the UK we have only about 16% left of the area that existed in 1800. That means that from an area similar to the size of Cornwall, only the equivalent of the Isle of Wight remains. The process of loss and disintegration has been particularly fast in recent decades. However, this country still holds 20% (more than 60,000 hectares) of the whole world’s lowland heathland. We therefore need, not only to preserve and improve our remaining heathlands, but if possible, to re-create them in areas where they have recently been lost. There is a special case for linking small fragments of heathlands, where the few remaining species are stretched for space and risk disappearing in the event of a fire, to create areas which can maintain a wider range of wildlife and can survive in the future.

Find out more about Heathland Recreation at Rushmere here

Grassland

Grasslands vary, depending on whether the site is upland or lowland, and if the soil is chalky, acidic or neutral. Marshy grasslands also occur on damper soils.

Grassland at Rushmere is a mix of acid and neutral grassland and we have lost over 90% locally since the 1930s. Acid grassland in particular is often under-valued, partly because it isn’t “flower- rich”

Grassland restoration involves a range of techniques and management strategies to improve habitat quality including: sowing native grass and wildflower seeds, controlled grazing, invasive species control, scrub clearance and tree removal and they support a wide range of birds, animals and plants

 

Woodland

UK woodland cover has more than doubled in the last 100 years, much of this comprises non-native species established on heath, moor and peatland habitats with strongly negative consequences for open habitat wildlife, soil carbon and water management.

Woodland management can involve a range of measures including planting or fostering natural regeneration of native tree species, reducing excessive grazing and browsing pressure from livestock or deer, eradicating or controlling invasive non-native species, and thinning or coppicing to open the woodland canopy. This has a number of benefits including increasing bird, butterfly and bat diversity and abundance.

 

Habitat Restoration at Rushmere Country Park

All habitats at Rushmere deliver other important functions, including capturing and storing carbon and play a vital part in combatting climate change.

Historically the area of Rushmere was more open, with a mosaic of heath, woodland and scrub. Our aim is to create larger, better connected areas of heathland and grassland while simultaneously improving the condition and management of important areas of woodland. This will help species move around the landscape more easily and respond to challenges such as climate change. Our management plan sets out the restoration work and land management of Rushmere Country Park.

Illustration left of Shire Oak Heath approx. 200 years ago

 

Map of Rushmere Country Park’s conservation plan

 

What can you do to help the biodiversity crisis?

Go wild  

Plant local flowers, fruits and vegetables. Research the flora, fruits and veggies native to your area, and plant a variety in your backyard or a hanging garden. To aid in this effort, support local nurseries that specialize in native species. Nurseries can be great sources of information about plant maintenance and care. They should also be able to tell you where they source their plants from—the more local, the better. By supporting local wildlife, you’re helping to preserve the biodiversity of your area and support its local ecosystem.

Save the bees and other pollinators

Pollinators are important to preserving biodiversity. You can help save them by planting nectar-producing wildflowers in your backyard, or even building bee boxes or bug hotels for them to call home. When embarking on DIY home projects, be mindful about the products you use, as standard backyard pesticides can be harmful or deadly to bees. Cutting your grass less frequently and refraining from using pesticides will help too.

Respect local habitats

Plants growing near you often play an important role in preserving the local ecosystem. Many places are managed for the benefit of wildlife, but welcome visitors too so people can experience the joys of nature first-hand. Please keep to paths and keep dogs on leads when asked to.

Know the source

Check the products you buy and the companies you support to ensure that your buying habits are not contributing to destruction of habitat elsewhere. Look for labels such as FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) or Rainforest Alliance Certified.  

Support biodiversity projects

There are many initiatives locally and nationally working to improve biodiversity and combat the climate crisis. Please support these projects if you can, you can support by volunteering your time to carry out the work or support financially.

 

A small selection of  pollinators in the UK

 

Volunteer for The Greensand Trust

 

As a charity we rely on the generosity of local people to give us their time. We have a number of volunteering opportunities at Rushmere Country Park:

• Practical & Conservation
• Heron Watch (Springtime Only)
• Visitor Services
• Education
• Events
• Public Talks
• Guided Walks 

If you're interested in volunteering with The Greensand Trust then please contact Kayte Judge on 01525 234260

or email: [email protected].

 

Contribute to our Fundraising

 

We need your help to continue our valuable environmental work, conserving, protecting and enhancing green spaces.

Click here to contribute to one of our fundraising appeals