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

Spring is here - birds are nesting

The warmer weather has arrived and the shoots are appearing on the trees we planted in Winter 2012.  All the silver birches and rowan have green leaves, and a few wild cherries on The Mound have survived the company of sheep.

We are hoping that a fence will soon enclose the area and keep it safe so that we can go ahead and plant a spiral maze on The Mound.

This morning I spotted a pair of goldfinches collecting wool which had caught on brambles to line their nest.  I did not have my camera with me, so here is a photo of these colourful birds which feed on seeds such as thistle.

Goldfinches by ImogenX

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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