In partnership with
South Lodge was the first of the hotels in the Exclusive Hotel chain we planted with. (See also Lainston and Pennyhill where we planted last November) This was a fairly major event. We planted 1550 trees and shrubs over two days with a mix of corporate volunteers provided by Ecologi, hotel staff and individual volunteers, around 70 in all.
Caroline Lucas, then leader of the Green Party came to see it and gave a speech. A very good lunch was provided on both days. There were already pockets of small woodlands in the hotel grounds our aim was to link some of them up. Alder, Aspen and Goat Willow were planted in wetter areas. Oak and Beech were planted throughout. Other tree species were planted in species clusters of 6 – 8. Shrubs were concentrated around the periphery of the planting and around glade edges and clearings.
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.