Make a difference

Find out how you can get involved in helping to create an improved wildlife environment where you live with BBC Breathing Places.

The wildlife haven of Brownsea Island in Dorset is home to a wealth of animals, insects, birds and plant life. But the proliferation of rhododendron needs careful management to ensure a balanced and sustainable habitat.

Introduced to the island by the Victorians, rhododendron was used for game cover, but now it's taking over.

Growing at a vast rate and with high density, the plant is blocking out the light needed to fuel new saplings, but local volunteers are doing their part to help manage the land – cutting down the rhododendron growth and burning it in controlled bonfires.

Make a difference day

"It's part of Make A Difference Day, which is a national push by the CSV [Community Service Volunteers], to all of the wildlife trusts," says Steve Davis of the Dorset Wildlife Trust.

"[Trusts] have been involved in events such as this and getting stuck into various environmental projects across the country."

More than 200 volunteers took part in the Make A Difference event on Brownsea Island. For volunteer Richard Proctor, the 'rhodey bashing' is hard, but rewarding, work.

"You come and cut something down, build a bonfire – you actually see a real result. It's physically hard work but incredibly satisfying," he says.

Growth of new plants

The process of burning the rhododendron creates openings in the forest floor. This encourages the growth of new plants which in turns helps the diversity of habitats for all of Brownsea's residents.

"By clearing the rhododendron we can allow young birch and pine to establish and provide a diverse age range of these species. Our aim is to get a successful mixed woodland which is an ideal habitat for the red squirrels," says Steve Davis.

The clearing of the woodland on Brownsea Island is just one project in the UK where people are getting out and getting involved in helping the environment.

To find out how you can create and care for nature-friendly green spaces where you live visit the Breathing Places website.