Project objective:
Create firebreaks and restore amenity value through targeted gorse clearance
Client:
Havant Borough Council
Location:
Sinah Common SSSI, Hayling Island, Hampshire
Type of property:
Approximately 2.5 hectares of Common land & Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)
Background to Project
Sinah Common SSSI is a rare mosaic of maritime habitats located on Hayling Island. In recent years, the site had become heavily overgrown with dense stands of gorse (Ulex europaeus), bramble, and the non-native holm oak (Quercus ilex) a plant that posseses invasive characteristics.
The build up of unusually high gorse thickets had restricted public access, reduced biodiversity, and created a high fire risk from the dry vegetation present. The site has traditionally been used by the public as an amenity area, but the gorse stands had recently expanded to the point where only one footpath remained available, and even this was in danger of disappearing.
Aerial view of gorse clearance project
Havant Borough Council commissioned PBA Solutions to carry out professional gorse clearance to restore access and reduce the wildfire threat. Our brief was to apply a sustainable, ecologically sensitive approach that aligned with Natural England’s management objectives for this protected site.
Site Details
The site is a rectangular and generally flat parcel of land within the Sinah Common SSSI measuring roughly 2.5 hectares. Vegetation across the site varies slightly but gorse and bramble have become dominant, with small tree groups and individual trees dotted around, including the invasive holm oak. The density of the gorse had led to abnormally high stands, where individual plants had to put on extra height to compete with neighbours.
Challenges and Constraints
- SSSI Designation: All work required prior assent from Natural England.
- Ecological Integrity: Clearance had to be timed to avoid bird nesting and reptile activity.
- Biosecurity: Invasive species such as cotoneaster and Japanese honeysuckle were present, along with potential phytophthora threats.
- Public Safety: The site remained accessible to the public and required temporary exclusion zones and compounds.
Environmental Issues
Gorse plays an important role in our landscape, providing shelter and food for many insects and birds. However, it can be invasive, rapidly forming dense, impenetrable stands that crowd out other plant species.
The site was overgrown with dense, poor condition and dead gorse (Ulex europaeus), with areas of overgrown scrub vegetation and an increasing population of holm oak (Quercus ilex). We estimated that around 1.5 hectares were heavily impacted by dense, tall gorse stands, with the remaining hectare more lightly affected by stands of lower height and gorse plants growing in isolation.
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Fuel (dead, dry vegetation) for wildfires was of a higher volume than was desirable, increasing the risk of uncontrolled burning impacting the site and the surrounding land. Additionally, the site was losing its amenity to the public as pathways were being lost to the encroaching gorse and scrub.
Because it was being undertaken within a SSSI location, the clearance work had to apply a sustainable approach to controlling gorse while preserving the ecological integrity of the site. Additionally, the work could only proceed after Assent had been given by Natural England.
The solution
A practical, ecologically sensitive methodology was developed to carry out phased clearance using remote-controlled flails for dense areas, supported by low ground-pressure excavators and targeted manual work. This combination allowed for precise removal of gorse, bramble, and invasive species while limiting ground disturbance.
Cleared material was removed from site to prevent build-up and promote habitat recovery. All activity was carried out under ecological supervision, with full consideration of the site’s protected status and environmental constraints.
Access track for gorse clearance project
Mechanical & Manual Methods
- Remote-controlled flails cleared dense vegetation and mapped out main firebreak routes.
- A low ground-pressure excavator with tined grab removed bramble and leggy or dead gorse.
- Holm oaks were selectively felled, and waste vegetation raked and gathered for off-site disposal.
- Pruned and felled tree limbs were used to form habitat piles under existing tree canopies.
Dealing with Environmental Concerns
A rare habitat, Sinah Common SSSI comprises a complex of maritime habitats which extend for over 2 km eastwards from the south-western extremity of Hayling Island, Hampshire.
Natural England’s report on the SSSI drew attention to the cover of scrub being higher than desirable, with ‘Common gorse and holm oak… spreading and coalescing into dense patches’. Their report highlighted the urgent need for management intervention to address the threat of scrub encroachment and loss of species-rich grassland.
Ecological & Safety Measures
- Pre-start ecological walkover surveys ensured no active nests or reptiles were disturbed.
- Regular site inspections by an ecologist throughout clearance.
- A boot brush station reduced seed spread from invasive species.
- A secure site compound was established for equipment, welfare, and biosecurity control.
Problems Created by High Gorse and Scrub Cover
As gorse thickets spread, they often displace vegetation in grassland habitats, and heavy infestations modify the soil, making it more acidic and adding nitrogen, sometimes disrupting local ecosystems in the process. As gorse stands develop, the yearly dispersal of seeds builds up greatly. With seed viability in the region of 30 years, gorse will keep making a comeback even when well-managed, for a very long time.
Fire Risk Concerns
Gorse is a highly flammable plant throughout its lifecycle, whether young and green, in senescence, or dead and dry. As it becomes more established, gorse sheds large quantities of old stems and leaves. Over time there is a build-up of dry vegetation, especially beneath older stands. In this way, unmanaged gorse stands can become fuel reserves for wildfires, posing a serious fire risk for indigenous ecosystems, managed habitats and building stock.
Site marked out with coloured pegs
Project Challenges
Before clearance could begin, assent from Natural England was required due to the site’s SSSI status. Drawing on our experience with protected sites, we conducted early consultations, completed detailed site surveys, and refined our proposal to ensure full compliance. Assent was secured in time to begin works in February 2025.
Prior to clearance, ecological inspections confirmed there were no nesting birds or reptiles present. Our ecologists remained involved throughout the project, inspecting each area ahead of clearance to ensure sensitive habitats were respected.
A secure compound was established in the adjacent car park to manage site access, equipment, and material handling. A boot brush station was included as a key biosecurity measure — essential in this case due to the presence of Himalayan cotoneaster (a Schedule 9 invasive) and Japanese honeysuckle along the site boundary.
Compound being created in the carpark opposite the site
Our team also remained alert to more subtle threats, including phytophthora, a waterborne pathogen known to affect trees and shrubs. Risk awareness and proactive control measures were built into our approach from the outset.
Site cordoned off to prevent unwanted access
Gorse Clearance Approach
Clearance began with remote-controlled flail mowers, used to cut firebreaks and open up dense areas quickly and safely. Overgrown gorse, bramble, and dead material were then removed using excavators equipped with grapples and rakes.
To reduce fire risk, arisings were collected and cleared, lowering fuel load across the site. Selected small trees were felled or pruned from ground level, and habitat piles were created from cut wood to support biodiversity.
➡️ Learn more about our Gorse Control & Removal methods
Logs from wood clearance as part of firebreak
Planning for Long-Term Gorse Management
Without ongoing maintenance, gorse will quickly return through regrowth and the existing seed bank. Regular mowing and cutting will help suppress this over time.
Introducing native or desirable species aligned with the site’s SSSI status can further reduce gorse dominance and support greater biodiversity.
Ongoing management also allows early detection of other invasive species, ensuring prompt control before they become established.
Results and outcomes
Natural England’s desire for a more open mosaic of scrub and grassland habitat has been realised. With ongoing management, the site will continue to thrive ecologically while remaining safe and accessible for years to come.
- A major east-west firebreak now spans the site, dramatically lowering fire risk and restoring pedestrian access.
- North-south firebreaks divide vegetation into habitat islands—enhancing biodiversity while limiting fire spread.
- Existing trees have space to breathe, with undergrowth cleared and deadwood pruned.
- A previously inaccessible corner of the site is now open to visitors and provides new wildlife habitat through retained log piles.
- All waste was removed off-site by a specialist contractor, leaving the area safe and tidy.
Need Support with Gorse Management?
Unchecked gorse can quickly reduce land usability, limit access, and increase fire risk. Whether you’re dealing with isolated patches or widespread growth, our team can help.
PBA Solutions provides professional gorse clearance and control across a range of settings — from farmland and estates to conservation land and development sites. We carry out assessments, implement removal strategies, and offer ongoing advice to keep regrowth under control.
To speak with one of our team, call 0203 174 2187 or 01202 816134 — or click get in touch online for expert advice and a no-obligation quote.
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