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This old grazing field is surrounded by patches of ancient semi-natural woodland including four small wildlife trust nature reserves (ancient woodland and wet meadow) just to the northeast. It is an ideal spot to plant 2.5 acres of saplings to the mix and in doing so we should see good connectivity with these exisiting habitats - and a great chance of long term survival for the woodland.
Fund the work still needed to complete this critical work.
The landowner very kindly took photos and carried out the survey on our behalf. Overall, the trees were doing quite well, with lots of trees poking out of the top of their guards. She estimated a survival rate of 80% which is just within our promised survival rate. Some stakes and guards need attention, and grass needs to be removed from some of the guards.
We planted 825 trees and shrubs here over approximately one hectare, with random spacings of 2.5m to 3m between saplings. Some areas by the stream were very wet so we planted alders and a few downy birch here, and left the rest as clearings. Elsewhere, we planted a mix of native saplings with hawthorn and blackthorn planted around the perimeter of the main planting for shelter. There were some overhead power cables across the site so we avoided planting under them, and only planted smaller shrubs nearby.
There were already small pockets of woodland nearby and the new planting will provide further nectar, berries and nuts, all great sources of food for a wide range of species. Both green and great-spotted woodpecker were seen during planting, along with raven and red kite overhead.
Help us create and maintain new woodlands, hedgerows and wildflower meadows! We need volunteers to sow seeds, plant saplings, clear invasive plant species and pick up litter. No qualifications necessary; jobs for all ages and abilities. Come and turn climate anxiety into climate action!
With government funding for reforestation and rewilding tenuous, we increasingly rely on our amazing community to keep us growing regardless of political shifts. Help Protect Earth continue to restore ecosystems and improve biodiversity across the country.
Help us put down roots! Your donations to our Land Fund let us seize the moment when the perfect piece of land comes up for sale. Every penny helps us secure community woodlands, healthier ecosystems, and a greener future for generations to come.