Case Study: Supporting Menston Area Nature Trust with Invasive Species Management

Posted at
By
Eoghan McHugh
Back to Articles

Protect Earth is committed to reversing biodiversity loss across the UK by restoring natural habitats. While we actively manage our lands, we also collaborate with other organisations who share our ambitions. One such partnership was with the Menston Area Nature Trust (MANT), where we provided expertise and resources for invasive species management.

The Challenge: Rhododendron Invasion at East Wood

MANT, a small trust based in West Yorkshire, acquired East Wood in 2023. This 20-acre deciduous woodland is a haven for native wildlife, including red kites, goldcrests, and tawny owls. However, rhododendrons, a prevalent invasive species, are present in the woodlands and responsible for damaging soil quality and outcompeting native plants.

   [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="4032"]

$2 Before - rhododendrons as far as the eye can see. [/caption]

   [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="4032"]

$2 After - the team successfully removed the area’s rhododendrons, opening the space for the native species in the wood to thrive. [/caption]

The removal of invasive species like rhododendrons requires specialised skills, equipment, and knowledge to ensure safe and effective management. MANT recognised the challenge and reached out to Protect Earth for support.

Collaborative Invasive Species Management

In February, Protect Earth provided hands-on assistance. Together with MANT volunteers, we cleared a significant portion of the invasive rhododendrons, creating space for native and naturalised species to return.

Why Partnerships Matter

Protect Earth believes in the power of partnerships to tackle the challenge of invasive species management. By sharing knowledge and resources, we enable smaller organisations like MANT to restore their local environments more effectively.

If you’re a landowner, community group, or environmental organisation facing invasive species issues, we can help. Our team offers expert advice, practical assistance, and ongoing support to restore native habitats.

Get in touch with Protect Earth today to learn how we can work together for a greener, more biodiverse UK.

Stay up to date

Join our mailing list to keep up with what we're doing to restore natural habitats and boost biodiversity across the UK.

We don't email too often and you can unsubscribe any time. Your privacy is important to us and your info will not be passed to third parties.

Help Protect Earth - Take Action Now

Volunteer

Help us create and maintain new woodlands, hedgerows and wildflower meadows! We need volunteers to sow seeds, plant saplings, clear invasive plant species and pick up litter. No qualifications necessary; jobs for all ages and abilities. Come and turn climate anxiety into climate action!

Upcoming Events

Fund Our Work

With government funding for reforestation and rewilding tenuous, we increasingly rely on our amazing community to keep us growing regardless of political shifts. Help Protect Earth continue to restore ecosystems and improve biodiversity across the country.

Sponsor Trees Donate

Support the Land Fund

Help us put down roots! Your donations to our Land Fund let us seize the moment when the perfect piece of land comes up for sale. Every penny helps us secure community woodlands, healthier ecosystems, and a greener future for generations to come.

Land Fund