Protect Earth was asked to help with funding to create a brand new shelterbelt near Ross-on-Wye. Shelterbelts are a phenomenal way of revitalising an area, and bringing new life and all manner of wildlife back. By creating new shelter for them, we’re creating places for them to hide, places to burrow, and places to graze. Shelterbelts are also excellent wind breaks, meaning that any strong gusts of wind are dissipated gently. This protects the soil from eroding away over time by reducing wind speeds and trapping water from intense rainfall. And if all that wasn’t enough, the organic matter from leaf litter also improves soil stability.
On a slightly drizzly, overcast day in February the shelterbelt was planted by our team, with local volunteers found by FWAG and ourselves. We planted equal numbers of twelve different species of native trees, six taller and six shorter species, to create height and density. No shrubs were used. FWAG like to use a continuous membrane to suppress weeds rather than mulch mats or wood chippings. It is quick and easy to lay, and is very effective.
As always, the volunteers were brilliant and worked really hard to get it completed in one day.
