Brownsea Island is being stripped of more rhododendrons and trees thinned along the south shore to improve habitat for the red squirrel.

Across a 5.5 hectare (13.6 acre) area of the island the National Trust will be carrying out work to encourage more new growth.

“By thinning the pine trees we will allow more light into areas, resulting in healthier trees producing more fruit – pine cones – which in turn will provide more food for the red squirrels on the island,” said Reuben Hawkwood, head ranger.

As well as pines a few sycamore will be removed on steep south facing slopes to encourage natural spread of lowland heath, a rare habitat which is home to a wide range of plants, insects and animals.

The violet-flowered rhododendron ponticum is classed as an invasive species and its thick growth prevents native plants from growing.

The work is funded by Natural England through an Environmental Stewardship Scheme and some will be carried out this spring with more done in September. The timber will be stored on the island and used as fuel.