Red Fox Field & Bushcraft Ltd
Invasive Species
Our woodland is carefully managed to protect native plants and wildlife. Sometimes, invasive species — plants or animals that aren’t naturally found here — can spread quickly and outcompete native species for space, light, and nutrients. While many introduced species are harmless, a few can cause real disruption to the woodland’s natural balance. We work to identify and manage these species responsibly, helping to keep the woodland healthy and thriving for everything that calls it home.
Rhododendron
Rhododendron may look stunning when it bursts into flower with its show of purple-pink blooms, but it’s actually one of the UK’s most problematic invasive species. Originally introduced from Asia as a garden plant, it has spread into woodlands where it outcompetes native trees and plants, blocking sunlight and preventing young saplings from growing. Its thick, evergreen leaves create dense shade and its fallen foliage makes the soil acidic, making it hard for other species to thrive. Managing rhododendron is a long process, but removing it helps restore light, space, and biodiversity to the woodland floor — allowing native plants and wildlife to flourish again.
Bracken
Bracken is a native British fern found in many woodlands, heaths, and hillsides. While it’s a natural part of our landscape, it can spread aggressively, forming dense carpets that crowd out other woodland plants and reduce biodiversity. Its tall fronds block light from reaching the ground, making it difficult for wildflowers and young trees to grow. Careful management — such as cutting, rolling, or selective control — helps keep bracken in balance, allowing a wider variety of woodland plants and wildlife to thrive.
While most wasps and spiders in our woodland are native and beneficial, helping to control pests and support the ecosystem, a few non-native species have begun to appear in parts of the UK. The Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) is one of the most concerning — an invasive wasp that preys on honeybees and other pollinators, disrupting the delicate balance of local insect life. Sightings are carefully monitored, and early reporting helps prevent it from spreading. A few non-native spider species, such as the false widow spider, have also become established in milder parts of the country. Although their bite can cause mild irritation, they are generally shy and pose little threat to people. Like all species, they remind us how connected our ecosystems are — and how important it is to monitor and protect our native wildlife.