PURGE OF SEA BUCKTHORN - BUT SOMETIMES YOU HAVE TO BE CRUEL TO BE KIND

                                                                                 

It is hoped that marsh orchids, such as these, will flourish when the buckthorn has been eradicated

 

CONTRACTORS will next month start opening up more of the dunes on Cleethorpes foreshore nature reserve to encourage orchids and other wildflowers.

That will mean a massive clearance of sea buckthorn, a native grey-green shrub of the Lincolnshire Coast with attractive orange berries.

However, it is so dominant species that, in many places, it is crowding out other more delicate plantlife.

As well as eradication much of the buckthorn, the three-week project will lead to disturbance and loss of both feeding and roosting habitat for some songbirds.

However, it is believed that, on balance, biodiversity will benefit.

The scheme - dubbed Dynamic Dunescapes - is a joint initiative involving North East Lincolnshire Council, Natural England and the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust.