ECOLOGICAL WATCHPOINTS

Try not to plant up to the edges of mires, bogs and streams - these provide important habitat for insects as well as watering and feeding spots for birds.

Do not plant into heather - this is a declining habitat. It will survive in woodland glades if not heavily screened.

Choose a species mix with care. Wind exposure can be a seriously limiting factor - use birch, rowan or willow as an outscreen to shield the slower growing long lived trees like oak and ash.

Sites rich in flowers should never be planted, as shading from trees would reduce the diversity in the sward, thereby reducing biodiversity.

Linked strips of woodland can be more useful than isolated blocks. Link existing features if possible. This provides a corridor for wildlife and helps species become more readily established.

If the site has been without tree cover for many years, spread handfuls of leaf litter from existing woods onto the site when planting. This transfers fungi and other organisms that will help the new trees establish their roots.

Valley bottoms sites may have deeper and richer soil - this would allow a greater variety of trees to be planted.

Thin soils will only support a limited mix - for example, lighter rooting trees like birch and rowan.

Sites where the ground is wet and soggy will support species like alder, willow and hornbeam.

For More Information Contact:

Treesponsibility
P O Box 38, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshiire, United Kingdom, HX7 8YR
Tel: +44 (0) 1422 2843222
FAX: +44 (0) 1422 2843222
Internet: treesponsibility@beeb.net