GPE0757 Banishing the Birch

A group of 10 students from Buckinghamshire New University will take part in clearing birch from Stoke Common, a lowland heathland. The clearance of birch is a major and key part of this restoration plan. The silver birch that currently grows on the Common, overshadows other heathland plants, such as heather, that define this habitat. This work has to be done by hand in the majority of areas around the common which is a 83 hectare site, therefore it is important to involve volunteers. By clearing the birch the students will directly assist in the management of the Common and help to restore one of the rarest habitats in Britain.