Rare
reptiles and birds are set to benefit from the clearance of invasive scrub at
heathland in Dorset.
Upton
Heath nature reserve, in Poole, is home to all six British species of reptiles,
including rare sand lizards and smooth snakes.
The
506-acre (205-hectare) site's rare birds include Dartford warblers, stonechats
and nightjars.
Dorset
Wildlife Trust is clearing birch and pine tree saplings from the reserve in
order to maintain the heathland.
Heathlands
are supposed to have a "low density" of trees, according to the
trust, which manages the site.
"We
want to make it clear that established trees are not being cut down and the
site will not look any different as a result of the clearance," said Nicky
Hoar, communications officer for the trust.
"The
trees also provide important habitats and nests of hobby falcons have been
found in some of the mature trees."
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