Bubbenhall

The woodland here is doing fairly well, especially the trees planted south of the river, with 78% surviving. Those north of the river near the established tree cover were smaller but this is to be expected due to the lower light access. 63% of those sampled here had survived.

The hedgerow tells a very different story. The hedgerow to the north has been completely swallowed by scrub, brambles and mature tree canopy and was undetectable. As we were unable to sample this part of the hedgerow we are classifying this as 0% survival for now, although it is likely that some of the saplings will have survived. The eastern hedgerow was in very good condition apart from a few small dead patches along its length, with an 82% survival rate. In general, the trees in this part of the hedgerow were showing vigorous growth.

The wildflower meadow is dominated by borage, with occasional thistle, marigold, and common lambsquarters. These plants are dotted around the area between patches of completely bare ground.

Our site inspector visited Bubbenhall in August 2025. He counted five sample areas of trees, finding a 70% survival rate. The landowner told him “The trees that were replanted in 2023 seem to be doing ok, only half the hedgerow is thriving though, we had an influx of rabbits and as the hedgerow had not all got tree guards I think some of them succumbed to rabbit attack!”.He also mentioned seeing daytime birds of prey and owls at night in the area, a positive sign indeed for ecological value in the vicinity.

A vitally important part of what Protect Earth does once we’ve put the trees in the ground is to carry out maintenance and restocking as needed. There is a lot to be done during this most vulnerable time in the tree’s life.

Based on the survival rate of the initial planting we calculated that we needed to restock 375 trees and 25 shrubs. On this occasion, we placed down mulch mats to suppress the grass growing around the new trees. We also pulled out grass and weeds growing inside the tree guards of the older saplings as these can rot the bark and kill the tree. Finally, we made sure the stakes were straight and firm into the ground.

Two teams of corporate volunteers from Revolution Bars and Reuseabox came for a day each to help us get the job done. Despite the wet weather both groups seemed to enjoy their day.

We planted a one-acre wildflower meadow here in May 2022. Before we could sow the seed the ground was prepared using a chain harrow to turn the soil and make planting easier. We used 4kg of nectar pollen mix to attract pollinators to the area. To ensure even distribution the seed was measured out before our team sowed the seed using the broadcast method.

While we were onsite creating the woodland here, our volunteers also helped us to plant a 300m hedgerow consisting of a mix of hawthorn, hazel, holly and guelder rose which will serve to link other areas of the site, providing safe passage, food and shelter for a variety of wildlife. It will eventually provide shelter for the sheep here too.

There was a badger sett on the edge of the field where we were planting the hedgerow, so we made sure not to plant over it, and to leave some room either side so that the roots of the hedge would not impinge on the sett.

Protect Earth were delighted to contribute to the natural environment at this wonderful site, Warwickshire Lavender Farm, near Coventry. Many thanks to our forestry consultants for this project, Lockhart Garratt, who provided the expert advice on surveying, tree species choice and woodland design.

With a solid plan and amazing support from the landowner who helped us to move the trees and other equipment across the site, thirty volunteers worked over three days to make it happen. We began by planting a species-rich native broadleaf woodland on 1.87 acres, consisting of oak, chestnut, hornbeam, small-leaved lime, wild cherry, whitebeam, wild service tree, holly, hazel, and field maple, before going on to plant the hedgerow.

Everyone had fun despite the weather, and the landowners kept up our spirits with hot drinks and biscuits.