Bethania

This site has many separate planting areas.

The first section surveyed was very poor, with approximately 95% dead. Most of the growth coming over the top of guards was grasses or brambles, with areas trampled by cows. Strong groups of Himalayan balsam were regularly present.

However, some areas had a 100% survival rate.

The horse enclosure had a 75% survival rate, as it had been fenced off from cattle. The pheasant enclosure had a 50% survival rate, with many tall grasses present. Other areas had around 70% losses due to cattle getting in.

Some areas had a great survival rate, whereas other areas had extensive bracken growth leading to high losses. It was also difficult to find tree guards in areas where there were many competing grasses, although there was still a high survival rate in some patches.

Some sections had up to 90% losses, with chest-height grasses and reeds and little sapling life visible from what could be seen. (Eoghan, surveyor)

Brynwichell lies next to a large area of upland bog that is a SSSI. The surrounding area already supports interesting species such as barn owl, snipe and willow tit. During planting, a hen harrier was also observed passing over fields nearby.

The new woodland planting at the edge of the marsh area will provide habitat for species such as tree pipit, redstart and willow warbler, and may also benefit the declining willow tit, which was heard calling during the visit.

Our local teammate Eoghan popped out to see how the trees are doing, and we were happy to be met with healthy trees and an approximately 85% survival rate.

The landowner has also planted a few additional trees on the south-west periphery, expanding the impact of our work further. These trees are performing very well, supported by regularly maintained short grass.

Protect Earth was contacted by another landowner nearby and asked to help with their wilding plans. We were more than happy to assist, and so back to Ceredigion we went!

Brynwichell Farm lies on the edge of the Cors Caranod Site of Special Scientific Interest. The landowner wanted to plant trees on many areas of the farm primarily to do something proactive to contribute to tackling the climate crisis.

Protect Earth helped the landowner plant native trees in scattered blocks that will extend existing areas of woodland and belts of trees. The site is already wonderfully rich in wildlife with sightings of Barn Owl and Otter reported!

This additional tree planting will help to provide habitat for the declining Tree Pipit, Spotted Flycatcher and Willow Tit – which have also been recorded on the farm.