South Barrow

The landowner’s son carried out this survey on our behalf and estimated a survival rate of only 50% which was very disappointing for everyone. Oak trees seemed to have been hardest hit. Other trees, although small, are looking healthy, and some are even growing up out of their guards.

We asked him to leave the stakes and guards in place and to mark them with paint if the sapling was dead, as this makes it easier for us to check survival rates ourselves, and will assist us when we come to restock.

The long grass here has not helped, so when we replant we will add mulch around each tree to keep the grass down.

In March 2024 the team took a small group of volunteers to South Barrow to plant 300 trees. Volunteers were a mix of friends, family, some local volunteers and a group of Vegan Runners who came after finishing a Parkrun! One family had missed out volunteering with us the previous week at Stawley, near Wellington, as we had finished a day early so they were thrilled when we invited them to come and help here instead. The landowner filmed some of the day using a drone.

This site is very wet and it is hoped that the trees will help with that. Trees were planted as bare rooted 40-60cm whips and were protected with 1.2m tree tubes and stakes in clusters of the same species, randomly spaced. Shrubs protected with 75cm shrub guards and stakes. Random gaps were left to provide open areas in the woodland.

The volunteers were very enthusiastic about the project. Feedback after the event:

“ Phil was great. He explained the purpose of the charity really well and gave clear instructions for planting.”

“It was an achievement to plant 300 trees and we were pleased to be part of the effort. Everyone was nice and friendly.”