Visitors to the nature reserve will be impressed by the vivid yellow splash provided by gorse at the moment. Common Gorse (Ulex europaeus) flowers from January until June, while Western Gorse (Ulex gallii), which is also present on The Heath, flowers from July until November. Between the two species, they can be in flower almost all year.
As well as brightening The Heath with colour, the gorse flowers provide a valuable food source for bees, especially in spring when they come out of hibernation. If you listen carefully, you will hear the background buzz of bees as you get close.
Kevin Griffiths
