Thursday 13th October 2022
From October onwards, we clear laurel from the woodlands in Stoke Park, following the embargo over spring and summer due to nesting birds. Focus has been on Long Wood in the north east of the Park (What 3 Words locations: wells.hours.shared and catch.reds.films). However there are many places across Stoke Park where laurel is gaining a foothold. Pervasive and invasive, laurel prevents sunlight from reaching the woodland floor meaning that many plant species which would usually be found there can not get established. This has knock on effects for the wildlife, including pollinators, which would live in, on and around these native species. Within Stoke Park, laurel should only be present around the Grand Forum, in line with the original design for the landscaped gardens in the 1750s by Thomas Wright.
Get involved in a range of activities to support conservation and accessibility in Stoke Park