Butcher’s Broom found in ancient woodland

Survey and monitoring is underway at Palmers Brook with the exciting discovery of Butcher’s Broom which is an indicator that the woodland at Palmers Brook is ancient and has longstanding ecological continuity.

Butcher’s Broom, or Ruscus aculeatus, is a low-growing evergreen distinctive shrub associated with shaded woodland and hedgerow habitats and is a distant relative of the bluebell family. The presence of Butcher’s Broom at the nature reserve strengthens the importance of careful woodland restoration that protects surviving ancient woodland features such as Butcher’s Broom, while improving conditions for native flora and fauna.

Our restoration objectives are to:

Protect and enhance to ancient woodland adjoining Palmers Brook
Improve woodland structure through sensitive coppicing and selective management
Increase light levels gradually to encourage woodland ground flora without triggering excessive bramble or bracken dominance
Safeguard areas where butcher’s broom is present and other indicator species during our restoration works
Strengthen the transition between woodland, brook, reedbed, saltmarsh and mudflat habitats.

Palmers Brook is notable for its undisturbed character and remnant ancient habitats particularly the estuarine, coastal areas and ancient woodland.

We will use baseline ecological surveys to help guide our long-term habitat management and biodiversity monitoring so that this this rich mosaic of woodland, brook, meadow and coastal wetland habitats becomes more resilient and is a sanctuary site.