Landsat Imagery and ENVI Techniques for Investigating of Bracken Spread in the New Forest National Park (UK, Hampshire)

During the last 10 years the environmental conditions in the New Forest (Hampshire, UK) has changed dramatically: the natural ecosystem structure of this unique natural reserve has been affected by the invasion of the bracken (Pteridium aquilinum) – the noxious weed that has spread rapidly over the area of 10*10 km in the New Forest. This paper focuses on remote sensing techniques advantages for environmental monitoring and investigating the endangered area using ENVI software and Landsat Imagery. Using satellite imagery classification will highlight the exact area where the spread of bracken has taken place, its change during the years, and the speed of bracken's spreading (change of bracken coverage in percents), thus helping in environmental decisions making and protecting the unique ecosystem of the National Park of the New Forest.