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News from the Forest Centre: Gorse

Gorse is not only one of the most distinctive heathland plants but it is also amongst the commonest. Its needle like leaves, blaze of yellow flowers throughout the year and heavy scent of coconut are famous. In the past gorse was of great economic value. It was used as animal fodder, for domestic fires and processes such as baking, brewing and dyeing. When substitute fuels were found the high rabbit population, supplemented by heavy grazing, kept the plant in check. With the decimation of rabbits following myxomatosis, a general decrease in grazing and gorse adoring the British climate, it has thrived.

The plant is important for a range of species. It provides a nectar source for many heathland pollinators and can be found buzzing with bees and hover flies through much of the year. It is also a favourite perch of the Dartford Warbler. This quintessential heathland bird nests in the surrounding heather but enjoys the elevated vantage point atop a bush. Gorse’s thick spines provide protection against predators and an umbrella against all but the worst snowfalls. This is vital for a bird at the edge of its range. The plant also supports Ashdown Forest’s remarkable population of another bird, Linnets.

Yet gorse is a headache for heathland managers. It is a leguminous plant, which means it can take nitrogen from the air and transfer it to its roots and the soil. This is good for farmland but not good for heathland where it is the low fertility of the soil that supports the species that make Ashdown Forest a biodiversity gem. Gorse can also dominate large areas, block views and provide a way for tree establishment. There has been much spoken recently about planting of trees being vital in the fight against climate change, but the key message is the right tree in the right place. The UK is in the world’s bottom 10% of the most nature denuded countries. Heathland is amongst our most biodiverse habitats supporting more species of dragonflies and spiders than any other UK habitat. It is important that we do not lose what little nature we have left while trying to offset our emissions.