Gorse Dieback on our Heathlands

23rd June 2021

Gorse is a vital component of our natural habitats, and is home to many animals including Dartford Warblers who rely on dense gorse to overwinter in the UK. There is concern that significant amounts of gorse are becoming brown and dry. The most likely cause of this, the prolonged and unusually cold weather experienced in late January and early February.

Have you noticed this problem with gorse when you’re out and about on Surrey heathlands? If so please help us to build a national picture to monitor impacts. Click here to find out more

Dartford Warbler, Sylvia undata, Checking For Local Rivals On A Gorse Bush In Threat Pose With Raised Crest On Its Head. Taken at Holton Lee, UK