Why is it that simply planting trees is not enough. Firstly, a farmer is the right person to be planting trees on a farm. Secondly, the right person to look after those newly planted trees is, wait for it, the farmer.
Frequently we see ranks of trees planted on farms in narrow bands and straight lines, the same distance apart and all the same age. They are always too close together. Additionally there are just trees, no shrubs like Gorse, Broom, Blackthorn, Brambles and Dog Rose to name just a few. Finally there are no open spaces.
I wander through fields that often contain a lonely Oak or Sycamore. The urge takes me to plant companions for them. I would surround each with thickets of Blackthorn and Crab Apple and plant Oak or Sycamore saplings with them.
Sometimes you see these isolated trees with remnant bluebells or Dogs Mercury lingering around their roots. These trees need help, fencing out and more cover needs planting. Specifically any areas in grass fields with ancient woodland indicators should be replanted urgently.
If you have any areas with indicator species you must plant next to them. Planting trees is not the end. Care for them too! Mix meadows with scrub and trees and introduce farm animals at low level stocking.
Wildflower meadows fit into this network. Preferably they are cut for hay in late July or later. Low level sheep and cattle grazing follows until late April. And guess who should look after this wonder world. The farmer.
Not enough thought goes into what is planted and where. Lets explore the topic!
So Why is Just Planting Trees not Enough ?
A forest is a complex mix of plants of different ages, fungi, insects, invertebrates, birds and animals. Complex habitats like this store vast amounts of carbon. We now know that the trees and plants live in complex harmony with underground communication through fungi. When a forest is cleared most of these fungi die. Clearing a forest releases vast amounts of Carbon Dioxide, heating our planet. Burning the wood makes things even worse. Have a look at another post about our very own Drax power Station just here.
Deciding where to plant/re wild is an important first step. Indicator species are one starting place, they may be in hedgerows ironically often at roadsides, hiding in plain sight. Old existing trees are focal points. They need companions. Do not simply plant in blocks, in straight lines. Leave open areas, marshy areas, consider blocking field drains and damming ditches.
Ancient Woodland Indicators
Dogs Mercury, Wild Garlic, Blue Bells, Dog Violet, Wood Anemone, Pink Campion, Lily of the Valley, Greater Stitchwort, Wood Sorrel, Golden Saxifrage, Yellow Archangel. Here are some pictures:
What are others saying about planting trees?
“Instead of focusing on planting huge numbers of trees, experts tell Vox, we should focus on growing trees for the long haul, protecting and restoring ecosystems beyond just forests, and empowering the local communities that are best positioned to care for them.”
This is the aim of our proposed “Shepherds of the Trees” project. Have a look at our proposals right here!
The Woodland Trust can help. Visit them here