Our first tree planting project of the 2023/24 season involved the creation of mixed native broadleaf woodland and a low-density wood pasture covering 1.29 hectares in Raisdale.
Trees were planted across three compartments to help expand the adjacent narrow strip of broadleaved riparian woodland, whilst areas of wood pasture will also provide future shelter and shade for livestock.
Specific considerations were also given to promote structural diversity and maximise woodland edge habitat, whilst being sympathetic towards existing vegetation and ground flora.
Grazing will be restricted from two of the compartments, whilst the final compartment will be grazed. Here, trees will be planted to create a wood pasture promoting the development of open-grown trees, such as pedunculate oak and crab apple.
Within the wood pasture we installed weldmesh guards to provide longer term protection to the slower growing species, whilst the faster growing species should establish within double staked shelters given that the area will only be lightly grazed by sheep.
1010 trees of 13 species were planted in total, with other species including downy birch, grey sallow, rowan, and aspen.
Management Plan
This projects supports the following management plan objectives:
