Steeple Woodland Nature Reserve

As with Bracken, both Common (flowers Jan - Jun) and Western (flowers Jul - Nov) Gorse grows quickly on the heathland areas of the Reserve and needs to be managed to prevent spreading and crowding out of other plants. The plants should be thinned and trimmed with secateurs and bow saws. Care should be taken, including wearing thick gloves, as the spines are very sharp indeed.