The Reserve recently took delivery of a 'Cut and Collect' machine, which will be used with our Goldoni tractor to cut vegetation on the Reserve. The machine not only cuts vegetation, it also collects the cuttings, which can then be removed to sacrificial dumps. This is part of our efforts to control the growth of rank grasses and scrub which are threatening some of the sensitive areas of the dunes where rare plants including orchids grow. Leaving the cut vegetation in place can form a mat which suppresses the growth of some plants, and also increases the fertility of the underlying soil. As the fertility increases, coarse grasses and bracken can take hold , further suppressing the more delicate flowering plants.
