The Trees are utterly glorious - 75% survival rate, and they are really thriving. Although the hedgerow hasn't been quite so successful, with more like a 60% survival rate, as it's much more exposed.
The landowner spent a lot of time during the autumn and winter, propping things up after strong winds and gales, but that's a labour of love. It's on a very small Devon bank. We are at the bottom of a valley.
There’s some bramble encroachment, but the briar roses and dog roses seem to be doing okay; the smaller whips, like blackthorn, aren't doing so well. The bottom, near where the woodland is absolutely fine, it's just the middle bit.
It is not uncommon, even in daylight, to see hedgehogs down there. There's also a small wildlife pond in that woodland. In the last three weeks, we've seen three newts. There's always damselflies and dragonflies down there, swallows sitting on the fence and house martens ready for a snack. There is a huge variety of grasses within the woodland, which we cut back in the autumn. There were some wild orchids in there this year. There was blue chicory last year and butterflies are always butterflies down there at this time of year. A haven for wildlife!
