Below I will attempt to explain why various conservation tasks are undertaken.

Dry stone Walling

Dry stone walls are very important for wildlife because they act as wildlife corridors to allow animals to move from place to place. They also provide nesting and perching sites for birds and roosting holes for bats. Plants, lichens and mosses use a wall's surfaces and crevices as places to germinate and grow. Finally, the nooks and crannies of a dry stone wall provide habitat for insects and reptiles.

Hedge Laying

Hedgerows are an important wildlife habitat where plants and animals can flourish. They also act as wildlife corridors, linking different areas together and allowing species to move more easily between them. Unfortunately, since 1945 thousands of miles of hedges have been destroyed to enlarge fields and torn out to make way for housing developments. In addition, frequent flailing by tractors and the application of herbicides has reduced thick hedges to a line of sickly bushes with little wildlife value. Hedge laying maintains and rejuvenates hedges by encouraging new growth from the base, resulting in a thick, diverse hedge which is both stock proof and good for wildlife.

Ragwort Removal

Common Ragwort (Senicio jacobaea) is one of the most common causes of plant poisoning in livestock in Britain. Grazing by horses and cattle can lead to cumulative liver damage which can result in the animal having to be put down to avoid a painful death. Removal of ragwort is also now a legal requirement since the Ragwort Control Act 2003 came in to force. Care must be taken when hand pulling ragwort because the toxins in the plant (pyrrolizidine alkaloids) can be absorbed through the skin and respiratory systems. Therefore it is essential to wear rubber gloves and, if the plants are flowering, it's advisable to wear a dust mask too.

Rhododendron Removal

Rhododendron ponticum is an introduced species that was brought to the UK in 1763 as an ornamental plant. It creates dense thickets in acid woodlands and on heathlands that shade out other native plant species. As it is an evergreen this shading occurs all year round. In addition, its root system produces toxins that prevent other plants from competing with it. It has little wildlife value and most grazers and insects find its leaves unpalatable.

Articles List

Why Conserve?
Why Volunteer?
Am I Allowed to Volunteer?
Be Prepared for Working Outside
How to Read a Grid Reference
The Conservation Year

Help!!!

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