Trees and Hedges
Pollarding is a traditional way of managing willows, which respond well to this type of cutting, and during the winter of 2009/10 willows behind the roller bench were pollarded. They will regrow to form dense shrubby plants excellent for bird cover, and the resulting trees will live longer.
The Sanctuary is the area near the main gate to the north of the track, containing the trees which Ward Homes felled in 2003. In Newsletter No.15 outlined how this area will be conserved for the future. "This area hides a secret. The way the trees were felled at around two feet from the ground has shortened their life. It means that the stumps are rotting, and the branches which have regrown are splitting away from the weakened trunks. The silver birches are particularly badly affected." This is an important part of the BWT site, which holds special significance, and it will decline unless action is taken to save it. Some of the old trees damaged by Ward Homes have to be removed, and new young trees planted in the gaps, to take the place of the old ones when they eventually die off. This work began in Autumn 2008 and will be phased over several years, opening only small pockets at any one time. So don't worry if you notice that some trees have been felled, because this time it is for a positive reason!
New Planting. Between the formation of BWT and March 2007 over 2,000 trees and hedge seedlings were planted. The first planting phase took place in November 2004 when 200 woodland and 50 individual trees were sponsored, and planted by over 150 volunteers. The second phase in Autumn 2005 added 87 large trees and 58 boundary trees, the work again being done by volunteers. Working parties in Autumn 2006 planted 60 individually sponsored trees and countless boundary trees and shrubs in just 6 days. In January 2007 we planted over 1,500 trees and hedging plants on the south side of the People's Wood and new hedges round the Gore Cottage paddock. A "wildlife shrubbery" has been planted next to the People's Wood, and hedgerows and some specimen trees have been planted in Barn Meadow.
Brambles and Ragwort Some brambles have been left because local residents wish to gather blackberries, and a patch of ragwort in the thick wooded area helps caterpillars to thrive.
The types and locations of new trees are chosen carefully to provide an attractive area for the future; not not just now, but in 20, 50 and 100 years time. This careful planning means that BWT cannot accept trees grown from seed by sponsors, or 're-home' unwanted trees from gardens.
Sponsoring a tree has been popular since the major planting programmes of the early years, and costs £200. Fewer trees are being planted than at the beginning, but you may be able to sponsor an existing tree. To learn more please contact the Sponsorship Organiser
BWT keep a full inventory plan of all sponsored trees and benches. To consult it, please contact the Sponsorship Organiser
