RESIDENTS of Canford Heath who have expressed interest in planting trees and gorse on the burnt landscape have been urged to volunteer as a warden instead.
A number of residents have been contacting the council for advise on whether they should plant seeds and trees at the nature reserve.
But instead Councillor Mark Anderson, portfolio holder for the environment and place, said people should join a volunteer network instead.
Cllr Anderson said: “We are so grateful that many residents want to help with the recovery of heathland at Canford Heath following the fire.
“A heathland landscape is an open landscape, made of a specific mix of dwarf species, such as heathers and gorse, and although this is interspersed with some trees, this is minimal and enough will set seed from remaining trees.
“Gorse will naturally regenerate and grow from existing seeding in the ground.”
He urged people to express their interest to volunteer by emailing heathwardens@bcpcouncil.gov.uk or to take a look at the Heathland Facebook page.
Read more: Experts say Canford Heath could take 15 years to restore
He added: “Our current volunteers help in different ways – from being the eyes and ears of the area to checking cattle or helping with vegetation management during the winter months.”
Volunteers have been working together to rescue wildlife and protect the heath for the future.
Over the last week, BCP rangers have rescued and released eleven animals including five sand lizards and three smooth snakes, the UK’s largest reptiles.
People can also donate to The Parks Foundation to help aid the heath’s recovery, which has now set up a fundraising page.
Read more: What we saw at Canford Heath after huge heath fire
Cathi Farr, chief executive officer at The Parks Foundation, said: ““We have been so touched by the donations we have received so far to help protect the heath, which is already nearly £500.
“When such devasting things happen, it is great that we can all play our part in supporting these events in different ways; whether that’s by volunteering or perhaps by making a donation.
“These funds will really go a long way to protecting the heath for years to come.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel