More native trees whips added to the spiral hedgerow

#IDigTrees - Over 1 million trees. And growing...December 2020

Despite the restrictions on meeting up during the Covid-19 pandemic, we successfully managed to plant all 100 young trees donated to us by The Conservation Volunteers (IDigTrees Project) which is funded by Ovo Energy. 

 

 

Kim - "Chief Organiser"

 

Included in the packs were: Oak, Alder, Beech, Silver Birch and Hornbeam (10 of each) and Rowan, Bird Cherry, Hazel, Crab Apple and Grey Willow (10 of each). We have not planted Alder or Green Beech on the site before, so this adds to our biodiversity.

Dave

Matt

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Charlie

 

Six volunteers met up on four separate occasions in December, with two or three people working together on one occasion, to keep within the Government guidelines on meeting outdoors and keeping a safe distance.

Vicki

Kim - again

Dave

Kim admiring the 2012 Cherry Tree

More trees planted today

First Tree Planting - another planned for next Sunday (13th December)

Well. the weather forecast was for mild, dry weather - but it started drizzly and then got heavier!

Nevertheless, three hardy volunteers stuck with it and we have planted 16 new trees in the wildlife area - hawthorn, silver birch, oak, rowan and blackthorn.

Graham from Winkleigh Parish Council watches Phil and Penny at work

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
As these trees were given by The Woodland Trust to plant as a Centenary Wood in memory of those who served and died in the First World War, we were glad that 'Major Ron' of the Winkleigh branch of the British Legion, was also able to visit us.  He was very encouraging and fully supports what we are doing for our community, for future generations and in remembrance of our grandfather's generation.

http://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/support-us/support-an-appeal/centenary-woods/


I also took the opportunity to do some maintenance of a dozen or more trees which were planted in previous years.  Here is one of the first Oak trees which were planted on top of The Mound exactly three years ago in December 2012.  This one is about 4 feet high (1.2 metres).  They were planted to celebrate the Queens Jubilee.

Jubilee Oak 2012

Trees planted in 2012 - Progress in Pictures

Don't forget our next tree-planting event is on Sunday 1st December 10-12 noon.
Volunteers of all ages welcome!
 
On 4th November I went to review the progress of last year's tree planting.  For those who have been unable to visit them, here are some photos.

Rowan

Alder Buckthorn

Silver Birch

English Oak

Happily most of them have survived with only a little weeding and watering - thanks to those volunteers who have taken time to care for them.  As you can see the grass and weeds are still high - stiff competition for the trees.

On my visit, I met an allotment holder who had planted the native hedgerow as a windbreak for the allotments.  Their hedge is coming along well, and already has some rose-hips for the birds.

Windbreak Native Hedgerow