October brings us solidly into autumn on Therfield Heath, and for conservationists that means it’s scrub clearing time.
This vital work helps maintain the delicate balance of our habitats by preventing invasive woody scrub plants like hawthorn from overwhelming open chalk grassland and heath. Removing scrub ensures that rare wildflowers, insects, and ground-nesting birds have the space and light they need to thrive. Where we removed woody scrub last winter season in the Rifle Butts we’ve seen dozens of Devil’s Bit Scabious flowering in late summer, a wonderful reminder of what beautiful plants are hiding under the thorns.
This year, we’re making a shift in how we manage the cuttings. Instead of burning the scrub on-site, we’ll be stacking and chipping the wood at end of the driving range, between Two Hills and Five Hills. The wood chips will be reused on the site for the racing track on the Gallops and some will be available for local gardeners to take for mulch. We hope this approach will be
more sustainable to ongoing site management and lower our carbon emissions, as well as providing a resource for the local community.
We always welcome extra hands! If you’d like to get outdoors, learn more about local wildlife, and be part of a friendly conservation community, we’d love to have you join us as a volunteer. No experience is necessary—just enthusiasm and sturdy footwear!
Volunteering sessions run every Wednesday morning, 9.30am – 12.30pm – to find out more, email: volunteer@therfieldheath.org.uk
If you want to help us maintain and improve Therfield Heath, please join one of our volunteer groups by contacting Ellie Nadin, the Ranger at ranger@therfieldheath.org.uk.
