Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerarsus) is an invasive non-native tree that has become a very popular hedge plant amongst homeowners and developers due to its evergreen properties. But when it escapes into our ancient woodlands it is devastating, as the dense canopy shades out native wildflowers such as bluebells (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) and wood anemone (Anemonoides nemorosa), as well as poisoning the soil.
Cherry laurel containing cyanogenic glycosides, which when digested by animals and humans, becomes prussic acid (hydrogen cyanide); this poisonous substance also pollutes the water that drips off their leaves, killing the ground flora beneath them.
Unfortunately, Cherry Laurel is often promoted as being ‘good for nature’, as it can provide nesting habitat and food for birds. But this, along with garden waste being dumped into woodlands, only helps spread seeds into our wild areas, ultimately destroying natural habitat.
Pictured below is an example of the damaged caused by cherry laurel. About 80% of this ancient woodland has now lost all its undergrowth and woodland flora.
With Local Places for Nature funding from Welsh Government, several ancient woodlands in Rhondda Cynon Taf, which are popular with local communities, have had cherry laurel removed this winter. A hefty job that involves mass felling and stump treatment.
In future, we look to remove laurel (and other invasives) from landscaping schemes promoted by developers and hope to work with local people to monitor and remove garden escapes on our Living Landscape sites.
Wedi ei bostio ar Tuesday 27th August 2024