2nd February 2026

Is this the only Gorse (Ulex europaeus) plant in the Staple area? I'd love to know. Gorse, of course, thrives on acid heaths on well-drained sandy soils. Being a leguminous plant, bacteria in nodules on the roots of Gorse, manufacture nitrate fertilizers which enables the plant to be successful on nutrient poor soils. This plant is growing not far from the footpath from Crixhall Court towards Goodnestone. The soil here is heavy, neutral to alkaline and relatively poorly drained. Not ideal for Gorse. Still, it's nice to see. Gorgeous yellow flowers and great for early pollinators.