Bethania

This site has many separate planting areas and the survival rates in each area vary considerably.

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.

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

There were no dead trees found in the hedgerow at all. A 100% survival rate is always hoped for, but rarely found.

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. A

With the aid of more willing volunteers Protect Earth helped the landowner plant native trees in scattered blocks that will extend existing areas of woodland and belts of trees. Then along the road we went to plan a further 150 trees on the neighbour’s land!

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.

With the help of volunteers Phil and Andy led the planting of a 100 m hedgerow using Hawthorn, Blackthorn, Guelder Rose, Hazel, Alder Buckthorn; 600 trees and shrubs in total, supported by canes and spirals.

The weather was glorious for November, and the dogs were friendly, so everyone set to with a will getting the hedegrow planted in good order before moving on to complete the woodland on the same site

We planted 0.33 hectares on this site to create woodland areas, one main block to the south of the site and a smaller block in the north near the farm buildings, as well as a 100m hedgerow.

Fourteen species were selected for the woodland: nine tree species and five shrub species. In time this will give the woodland a natural structure with taller tree species forming a canopy with a secondary understorey or shrub layer beneath which will produce better habitat for more wildlife.

There were fewer volunteers on Sunday but everyone worked hard. As the sun began to drop towards the horizon we were finally finished.