NO one likes to see greenery cut down — especially when there’s a local and global drive to plant more trees.
But sometimes when oaks and sycamores are cut down there is an ecological reason for doing so, as was seen at the Wildridings McDonald’s store last month.
This seems to be the case at Garth Meadows, too, after one resident questioned why Bracknell Forest Council (BFC) was cutting down brambles and hawthorn at the site.
Why are you cutting down all the brambles and hawthorn? Where will the birds shelter and find berries? This makes me sad 😔 #garthmeadows @BracknellForest pic.twitter.com/cb1VSyKx9d
— Lynda (@lindylulu33) February 2, 2020
Despite Lindy’s concerns, BFC explained the work needed to go ahead.
1/3 Hi @lindylulu33 We manage Garth Meadows as a grassland habitat. This type of unimproved grassland is increasing rare and is particularly valuable in and around Bracknell Forest. While scrub and bramble can form part of the habitat mix, they are invasive and require control..
— Bracknell Forest (@BracknellForest) February 3, 2020
2/3 ...through grazing and cutting to prevent them taking over the site. We normally graze with cattle to help control the spread of the scrub, however last year we were unable to graze meaning the scrub and bramble took over more than expected, hence the need to clear the area
— Bracknell Forest (@BracknellForest) February 3, 2020
3/3...Once cleared, we will encourage grasses and wildflowers to re-colonise the meadow. Many thanks
— Bracknell Forest (@BracknellForest) February 3, 2020
These responses prompted a reaction from a few more residents:
Thank you for getting back to me and explaining why you have needed to do this. Thank you
— Lynda (@lindylulu33) February 3, 2020
Is it not possible to use grass areas to increase meadow flowers? Bramble is one of our most important habitats. In summer bramble is full of breeding birds, insects and provides food for migration for so many warblers. You can increase bees & insects by managing existing grass.
— Blackwater Valley Countryside Trust (@BVC_Trust) February 3, 2020
I'm sorry - but there is 'managing' a bramble and bushy area and then there is THIS....TOTAL DESTRUCTION! this type of woodland may well get out of control sometime - BUT - it is needed for our wildlife. Flowers are not permanent and although pretty do not provide shelter.
— Jo Ilott 🇬🇧 (@Jo_Ilott) February 3, 2020
I’ve had a response from the council. Apparently brambles are invasive and need managing. It’s a shame, as they are a great food source for birds and for foraging too 💚
— Lynda (@lindylulu33) February 3, 2020
Brambles will grow back very quickly with lots of berries on them for foraging and the birds.
— treacle62 (@starrynights65) February 3, 2020
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